Sharpe settled the $50M lawsuit filed against him earlier this summer.
Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images; Shannon Sharpe
Comedian and Academy Award winner Mo’Nique is standing firmly in defense of Shannon Sharpe amid the fallout of his highly publicized sexual assault lawsuit.
Taking to Instagram Live last Wednesday (Aug. 13), the outspoken performer shared her unwavering support for the former NFL star and current media personality, offering empathy and reflection in the wake of the allegations brought against him.
“We’ve all not walked the perfect line, we’ve all had mistakes, we’ve all taken a fall, we’ve all had to get up and get to going again,” Mo’Nique said during the livestream, according to Complex. “So, that is my brother, and I love my brother.”
Shannon Sharpe attends Netflix’s special screening of “The Redeem Team” at TUDUM Theater on September 22, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
Mo’Nique also drew parallels between Sharpe’s current situation and her own past struggles in Hollywood, including high-profile clashes with industry powerhouses like Tyler Perry and Oprah.
“I know what it feels like for people to quit on you and give up on you,” she shared. “That won’t be me. Shannon Sharpe? That’s Shay Shay, baby. We love him.”
The comedian even recalled shutting down an audience member who attempted to bait her into mocking Sharpe during one of her stand-up sets.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
“I said, ‘Bi**h, no, you won’t do that. No, you will not do that. No ma’am,’” she said emphatically. “Whatever you feeling about my brother, if you ain’t got something nice to say, be quiet.”
In April 2025, Sharpe was sued for $50 million by Gabi Zuniga, a former OnlyFans content creator, who accused him of sexual assault and threatening behavior. The case was ultimately settled out of court in July for an undisclosed amount.
Shannon Sharpe attends SiriusXM At Super Bowl LVII on February 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Zuniga announced her retirement from the platform just one day after the settlement, sparking widespread speculation and controversy. Throughout the ordeal, Sharpe maintained his innocence, and supporters like Mo’Nique have come forward to back him.
While Sharpe has faced public scrutiny for his relationships with younger women—something Mo’Nique vehemently warned him about in the past—her public show of support reflects a deep sense of loyalty.
Watch Mo’Nique’s Club Shay Shay interview below.