Nationwide — Mo’Nique’s comment about Shannon Sharpe, who is now accused of sexual assault, has resurfaced online. The clip shows Mo’Nique warning the former NFL star about dating younger women months before the allegations made headlines.
In the clip from Sharpe’s podcast Club Shay Shay, Mo’Nique, who is 57 and has been married since 2006, humorously cautioned Sharpe to stop pursuing much younger women. “You’d better take your old a– and get somebody to love you,” she told him, according to Vibe. “You’re trying to hang out with these young b——… You can’t do it, Shannon!”
Sharpe responded by saying dating culture had changed, but Mo’Nique stood by her words. The conversation about age gaps in relationships, which was originally seen as playful, has taken on new meaning since a 20-year-old woman recently filed a lawsuit against Sharpe.
Gabriella Zuniga, known as Karlye on OnlyFans, is suing Sharpe for $50 million. She alleges he sexually assaulted her and secretly recorded their encounters while she was 19. Sharpe, who was 55 at the time of the alleged incidents, has denied all accusations.
He called the lawsuit a “shakedown” and said it’s an attempt to destroy his reputation. His legal team has also released messages they say show mutual consent. Sharpe says he plans to file a countersuit for extortion.
With the lawsuit making headlines, some have revisited Mo’Nique’s warning, questioning if Sharpe should have listened to her advice.