In fact, a quick search has proven that the interview is YouTube’s most watched interview of all time. Within 24 hours of airing, the interview had garnered double digit millions in views.
Granted, we all watched because of the ‘truth bombs’ Katt Williams was exposing on the show, but by default, the interview propelled the host and former NFL player to a higher viewership audience. My husband is an avid basketball watcher and of course with that comes the aftergame shows on television. As such, I had been familiar with the likes of Shannon Sharpe, Skip Bayless and Stephen A for many years.
Although Shannon Sarpe gained new international interest in 2024 courtesy of his highly controversial interviews with the likes of Williams and Monique, it was this year in 2025 that his reputation took a dive while simultaneously propelling his personal life into the public eye.
In April, Shannon Sharpe was sued by an OnlyFans model by the name Gabriella Zuniga, who claimed Sharpe had committed "assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery".
The release of audio and text messages between the two wiped all traces of support from Sharpe fans all around. And for the first time ever, it seemed as though the people were united against him because they cheered for the porn star to take him to the cleaners. Reports out of America indicate that Zuniga has in fact gotten her pay day in a $23 million settlement.
I count myself a feminist of sorts, but I am more realistic than idealistic in the ways of life. I have spoken many times on the topic of black men, especially professional athletes, believing that being with a white woman is a status symbol of ‘having made it’. Meanwhile, they are with fellow black women only during the struggle phases of their lives.
As a person from a multiracial background in a mixed heritage marriage, I am very pro-interracial marriages. However, this doesn’t mean there are some people in mixed relationships solely for the purpose of gold digging.
Shannon Sharpe was known around Hollywood as a forever bachelor with a type… the type? The likes of Gabriella Zuniga. Very young, white and in it for the economic benefits. It’s not like this was news to Shannon, he knew. He engaged in racial cosplay and kinky affairs with Zuniga without her signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement. He paid her for the events and now he has apparently retired her from her prostitution career with a big beautiful check.
Let’s just say that I am united with viewers around the globe as we watch this successful black athlete being taken to the cleaners. He deserves it and more. He knew what he was getting into; why should we care that he is losing his entire net worth to a 20-year-old?
Sometimes, we cheer for our sisters to get paid. Even though what she does is considered morally reprehensible, at least she was honest from the beginning about it. Today, I am not ashamed to say I applaud a sex worker for getting her money's worth.
Black men need to learn. These girls will take you to the cleaners, but they don’t care because it is all about the image and what the money can get them. So if these young men choose to squander their fame and fortune on gold diggers to prove to us that they have made it, we will take a back seat and enjoy the show.
