Shannon Sharpe is weighing in on Adin Ross’ latest controversy after the streamer admitted on a livestream that he uses the N word when rapping along to hip hop songs.
The comments sparked immediate backlash online, and Sharpe did not hold back on a new episode of Nightcap with Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson.
Sharpe revisited Ross’ remarks in which the streamer told viewers he sometimes says the word while rapping in private. Ross insisted that pretty much everyone who is not Black does the same when listening to music, a claim that drew even more criticism.
Adin Ross says the only time he ever says the N-word is when he’s repeating lyrics, and he claims other white streamers do it too but just won’t own up to it.
credits: @AdinUpdatess pic.twitter.com/WJJJAvKt4k
— Cold (@Coldstray) November 29, 2025
Sharpe pushed back firmly, not only at the admission itself but at Ross’ decision to say it publicly in front of millions.
Sharpe started by acknowledging that many people argue the behavior is widespread. He said he is sure plenty of non Black listeners repeat lyrics when they are alone, but that does not make it acceptable. What happens behind closed doors is one thing, he said, and what is said outside of it is another.
Sharpe warned that using the word casually in public could easily lead to real-world consequences.
“Why does he feel the need to share that?” Sharpe asked his cohost. “OK, you do that in the privacy of your own home. Why do you feel the need to share that?”
Shannon Sharpe PRESSES Adin Ross for saying the N-Word during rap songs and QUESTIONS why he avoids other slurs..
“Why don’t he use that Jewish derogatory term?..” pic.twitter.com/iSHmMrsFg7
— (@NotUlxa) December 2, 2025
Ocho offered his own take on Ross’ motives. He said Ross is a content creator and controversy is part of the job. According to Ocho, creators generate attention by stirring conversation and turmoil and their reward is that people end up discussing it.
Sharpe added that he sees a double standard in who gets targeted and which slurs people feel comfortable repeating. He said Ross and others like him have no issue using words that demean Black people, yet stay far away from slurs aimed at other communities.
“They got no problem saying those words that are offensive to Black people,” said Sharpe. “But there are some other words that’s offensive to other people. They never utter those. You notice that, don’t you?”
Adin Ross almost slipped up and said the N-word and states he doesn’t care anymore
“If I slip up who cares it’s 2025 every streamer and YouTuber have said it” pic.twitter.com/pmA7AEKu0q
— AdinRossVods (@AdinRossVods) November 14, 2025