Shannon Sharpe Speaks Out After Instagram Live Sex Incident

After explicit audio from his Instagram Live broadcast went viral on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Shannon Sharpe is speaking out and addressing the scandal.

In an emergency episode of "Nightcap," the podcast he co-hosts with fellow retired NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shannon Sharpe set the record straight and tackled the fallout from the scandal.

Initially, Sharpe claimed in an Instagram Story that his account had been hacked, however, he is now changing his story.

"Obviously I am embarrassed,” the 56-year-old said, per USA Today. “[I'm] someone that is extremely, extremely private and to have one of your most intimate details, the audio heard for the entire world to hear, I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons.”

The former NFL star continued in the third person: “People count on Shannon. Shay Shay media … ESPN, there are a lot of people that count on him at all times. Even when I’m behind closed doors, I still try to remain a level of professional, although I’m in the privacy of my own home, and I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act — there are millions and billions of consenting ages that engage in activities.”

Sharpe then confirmed that the sexual act was not “staged,” and that he has "never used Instagram Live" before and "didn't know how it worked."

"I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity," he said. "I did not know IG live. I’ve never turned IG live on so I don’t know how it works and all of sudden my other phone started going off."

On a clip of Sharpe addressing the scandal, fans immediately flooded the comments section, claiming that Sharpe knew what he was doing and it "wasn't an accident."

"Sh-t wasn’t no damn mistake lol it’s too many steps to go live," one user commented.

"How did you accidentally hit live while giving the business? Yeah right," another said.

"Publicity Stunt 101," a third claimed.

"How do you accidentally go live while getting with your lady," a fourth commented.

Although Shannon Sharpe wasn’t on camera, an explicit audio clip from his Instagram Live featured a woman moaning and repeatedly saying, “It’s yours, Shannon,” while the camera focuses on a wooden floor or bedpost.

Smacking sounds and the man’s voice, which many claim sounds strikingly like Sharpe’s, have fueled speculation.

The clip went viral on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter, with fans and celebrities like Sexyy Red reacting to the scandal. Red even posted a meme poking fun at the situation.

Many viewers remain skeptical of Sharpe’s claim that his account was hacked, questioning the authenticity of the hack excuse. “Shannon Sharpe was on YouTube getting on Chad Ochocinco for not being professional just to be on Instagram live during the day getting it in with some 25-year-old,” one user wrote.

“What does somebody have to gain using an AI version of Shannon Sharpe's voice and smashing another woman and hacking his IG live his old a-- don’t know how to work tech and thought he was making a movie," another said.

Sharpe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round of the 1990 NFL Draft and went on to have a highly successful career, playing primarily for the Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens.

While on the Broncos, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends as he was known for his combination of size, speed, and hands. Sharpe became a favorite target for quarterback John Elway. During his time with the Broncos, Sharpe was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned All-Pro honors.

He won three Super Bowl titles—two with the Denver Broncos (1997, 1998) and one with the Baltimore Ravens (2000). After the 2001 season, Sharpe retired from football but made a return to the NFL with the Broncos for his final two seasons.

After retiring from football for good, Sharpe transitioned to sports broadcasting and now hosts "Club Shay Shay," a popular podcast where he interviews athletes, celebrities, and other notable figures.