Shannon Sharpe opens up about the viral Instagram sex tape, expressing, “I’m disappointed in myself.”

 Shannon Sharpe addressed the provocative Instagram Live post he shared on Wednesday afternoon, which featured audio of himself engaged in sexual activity with a woman. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN personality clarified that his account had not been hacked; rather, he inadvertently broadcasted the intimate moment to his approximately 3.2 million followers.

In a candid appearance on an emergency episode of “Nightcap,” Sharpe expressed his embarrassment, saying, “Obviously, I am embarrassed. As someone who is extremely private, to have such intimate details—like audio—heard by the entire world is humiliating for many reasons.”

He acknowledged the expectations placed on him to maintain professionalism at all times. “I’m very disappointed in myself, not for the act itself, as many consenting adults engage in similar activities, but for allowing the audio to be shared. I let a lot of people down.”

The incident occurred when Sharpe was live on Instagram with an unknown woman, who could be heard moaning. Thousands of viewers tuned in to the unexpected NSFW broadcast. Initially, Sharpe claimed on X that his account had been hacked, but later admitted during the show that his lack of familiarity with the platform led to the mishap.

“I threw my phone on the bed while engaged in an activity, not realizing IG Live was active,” he explained, noting that it was his marketing partner, Jamie Fritz, who ultimately alerted him to the situation, and another person who ended the live stream.

“My phone wasn’t hacked. It wasn’t a prank; it was just me being a healthy, active male,” he added. Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson chimed in, acknowledging Sharpe’s technological shortcomings and humorously reminding him of previous instances where he had inadvertently called him.

While Johnson offered some understanding, he also expressed disappointment, pointing out that Sharpe had recently criticized him for unprofessionalism. “I never thought I’d see the day where you, Unc, would do something so out of character,” Johnson remarked. “A little unprofessional. I’m not mad, just thoroughly disappointed because I hold you to a higher standard.”