Sherri Shepherd recently had a run-in with an “unnamed celebrity actress” on Broadway. The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a celebratory evening of theater, highlighting the sometimes tense relationships that exist behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
The 57-year-old star attended the premiere of Denzel Washington’s ‘Othello’ earlier this month – but Sherri was shocked when she was confronted at the event by a well-known actress. Washington’s portrayal of Othello has been acclaimed by critics, with the production drawing numerous celebrities and industry insiders to its opening night.
“I get along with everybody, I really do. So I’m standing there, and I was talking to Khadeen and Devale Ellis, and Devale Ellis is on ‘Sisters’. So this unnamed celebrity actress, who shall remain nameless … grabbed my arm, and they forcefully turned me around,” the TV star said on her ‘Sherri’ chat show. The popular daytime program has become known for Shepherd’s candid discussions about her experiences in the entertainment industry.
Sherri recalled being caught off-guard by the actress. The unexpected confrontation occurred in a public setting, with numerous other celebrities and theatergoers potentially witnessing the exchange between the two well-known personalities.
She said: “I go, ‘Hi! What’s going on?’ Cause I know her. And she says to me, she goes, ‘You’ve been shading me a lot.’ That’s what she said to me. The term “shading” has become increasingly common in entertainment circles, referring to subtle criticism or throwing subtle insults at someone.
“I said to her, ‘No, I haven’t.’ Because I was really confused. And she goes, ‘Yes, you have.’ And then she just walked off.” This abrupt encounter left Shepherd visibly shaken as she recounted the story to her audience, who responded with supportive reactions to her candid revelation.
Sherri subsequently insisted that she doesn’t “shade many people”. Throughout her career spanning over two decades in television, Shepherd has generally maintained positive relationships with colleagues and other celebrities in the industry.
She explained: “First of all, I know who I shade because I don’t shade many people. It might be one person I shade. And I never have shaded this unnamed celebrity … So I was mad. I was really mad, and I said, ‘You know what? You don’t freaking get to do that to me.'” Shepherd’s transparent emotion resonated with her audience, who appeared to appreciate her honesty about the confrontation.
Sherri actually went out of her way to speak to the actress later that night. This determination to address the situation directly reflects Shepherd’s forthright approach to conflict resolution, something she has often discussed on her show.
The chat-show host said: “I went to the bathroom during intermission and I stood there 15 minutes, waiting for a meeting in the ladies room. I stood there! The intermission of Broadway shows typically lasts around fifteen to twenty minutes, indicating that Shepherd dedicated her entire break to resolving this situation.
“‘You gonna tell me I shaded you? Nu-uh. You don’t get to turn me around like we’re in a doggone cartoon.'” This colorful description of the encounter showcased Shepherd’s characteristic humor even when recounting an uncomfortable situation.
While Shepherd chose not to reveal the identity of the actress in question, speculation immediately began on social media about who might have confronted the beloved TV personality. Broadway premieres, particularly for productions starring A-list actors like Denzel Washington, typically attract numerous Hollywood stars and media attention.
Shepherd, who rose to prominence as a co-host on “The View,” has established herself as a respected voice in daytime television. Her current show, “Sherri,” has maintained strong viewership across key demographics.
The incident highlights the sometimes complex dynamics between public figures, particularly in settings where numerous celebrities are gathered. Industry insiders note that these kinds of confrontations occur more frequently than the public might realize, though they rarely become public knowledge unless one of the involved parties chooses to share the experience.
Audience reaction to Shepherd’s story has been largely supportive, with fans praising her direct approach to addressing conflict. The story has also sparked conversations about professional courtesy and appropriate behavior at industry events, with many commenting on the importance of addressing perceived issues privately rather than creating public spectacles.
