Mike Epps refuses to be on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast until he starts using controversial topics of white guests for more clicks.

In 2024, comedian and actor Mike Epps became involved in a brief dispute with NFL star and podcast host Shannon Sharpe. Following some initial conflict, the two reconciled after a mature discussion during the NBA All-Star weekend that year.

Recently, Epps made comments regarding Sharpe’s popular podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” known for featuring interviews with prominent figures from various industries. While speaking on the “Breakfast Club” show with Charlamagne Tha God and others, Epps criticized Sharpe for allegedly capitalizing on the distressing life experiences of his Black guests while treating his white guests differently.

Having appeared in successful projects like the “Friday” series and Netflix’s “The Upshaws,” Epps revisited his past disagreement with Sharpe during his appearance on the “Breakfast Club.” He also addressed the possibility of participating in Sharpe’s podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” in the future.

“‘Club Shay Shay?’ No, I ain’t gonna do no ‘Club Shay Shay,'” Epps said before calling Sharpe out for using his Black guests as “clickbait” for views.

“Shannon Sharpe, you gotta bring some white men on here and grill ’em. You can’t just grill Black people; that sh-t ain’t right,” he continued.

The 54-year-old acknowledged that having quality guests and intriguing stories for his show generates money, but Epps urged Sharpe to switch things up.

“Get some of your NFL players that you know was f-cked up and get them on the show,” he added.

According to Epps, Sharpe needs to find the “balance” in his show. “Shannon Sharpe, if you’re listening, we want to see you interview some of them white football players that was in the NFL that was f-cked up just to balance [it out],” he said.

Epps insisted that his comments weren’t based on race; however, he did call Sharpe’s practices “bullsh-t.”

“You can’t just interview Black men and let them pour out all they pain on these on these podcasts, man,” he said.

The performer continued, “We more than just problems. We everything. We got talent, we got families, we’re entrepreneurs. We’re all for that so we have to keep shedding the light on all the positive of that. We already got enough negative light.”

Since launching in 2020, “Club Shay Shay” has interviewed several celebrities and public figures, including Katt Williams, Monique, Keke Palmer, and former Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.

The official YouTube page for Sharpe’s podcast has amassed nearly four million subscribers.

Previously, Epps and Sharpe had a brief feud that originated when the former suggested Sharpe asked him to appear on “Club Shay Shay.” He also insinuated that Sharpe was gay, calling him “Madea,” a fictional matriarch played by Tyler Perry.

“Shannon Sharpe called me trying to do an interview,” he said. “I said, ‘No, Madea. I ain’t doing no interview, so you can sit across from me and look at my balls when I’m sitting down.”

Epps continued, “I thought he was going to attack Katt [Williams during their interview].”

“The n—a’s sh-t is called Shay Shay. The n—a [is] telling you. Put a wig on that n—a and tell me if that ain’t mothaf-ckin Madea’s sister,” he said.

After Sharpe saw the video of Epps’ comments about him, he replied to his statements during an episode of his weekly podcast with Chad Johnson called “Nightcap.”

“I’mma fire this shot over your head, mofo. And you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about. Mention my name again, and I’mma pull the DMs,” Sharpe said into the camera. “I won’t let you lie on my name.”

Sharpe continued and seemingly challenged the comedian to a fight.

“When I see you, I’m going to see if you’re about that,” he said. “All I wanna know is how you wanna do it, bro. Slide your number [and] I’ll get with you. We ain’t got to go back and forth.”

It wasn’t long before Epps replied to Sharpe’s heated response to him on his podcast. In an Instagram post, Epps questioned why Sharpe was upset with him when “so many people talk crazy about you.”

Later, Epps admitted that he directly messaged Sharpe to appear on “Club Shay Shay.” According to him, however, it was because Sharpe seemingly tried to get Williams to speak negatively about him during his episode.

He then told Sharpe he’d be willing to speak during the NBA All-Star weekend before telling him he’s not a fighter. “I don’t do no fighting,” Epps said.

Sharpe eventually updated his followers on the situation and let them know the pair had a “man [to] man conversation … [to] discuss our differences.”

“We both realize this situation could’ve been, should’ve been handled differently. I apologize [to my] fam, friends, loved [ones], and my fans,” he finished.

The three-time Super Bowl champion also posted a picture of them and captioned the post, “As promised … we are good.”