Why did Nia Long confront Sherri Shepherd? Comedian identifies star who allegedly Grabbed her at Denzel Washington’s Othello

Comedian and TV personality Sherri Shepherd has named actress Nia Long as the star who she says cursed her out on the opening night of Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal.

In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, Shepherd says Long grabbed her arm and confronted her over comments she thought were made about her. The event in question took place in March, during the Broadway premiere of the event, which was attended by major Hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Angela Bassett.

Sherri Shepherd had initially told the story on her talk show of a star who had physically turned her around to confront what they assumed were "shady" words about them. But she didn't name the actress at the time. Shepherd, in the recent podcast, stated that the argument was a misunderstanding.

"It was Nia Long. I don't know who [she] had me confused with... I have no idea who she thought was shading her, but it was not me. I have no beef with Nia. I'm a fan of hers." Shepherd said.

She said the only time she had ever referenced Nia Long publicly was in reference to a 2022 cheating scandal involving Long’s then fiancé, Ime Udoka, which had been widely reported. According to the Daily Mail, Udoka, a former coach of the Boston Celtics, was suspended after admitting he had an inappropriate relationship with a member of a team’s staff.

More about Sherri Shepherd's recent statement and Nia Long's controversial relationship with Ime Udoka

While she had been shocked and disgusted at the physicality of the confrontation, she tried to smooth things over by recommending that they further discuss the issue privately during intermission, Shepherd said. She said she waited inside a women’s restroom for 15 minutes, but Long never appeared.

Despite her disappointment at the event, Sherri Shepherd insisted she has no hard feelings towards the star. Shepherd even stated how in the past she has supported Long in her controversy involving Ime Udoka.

"But'I'm cool. I'm so cool. It's done. I would love to talk to her and just clear it up." she added.

In September 2022, Nia Long and Ime Udoka went their separate ways after 13 years when Udoka, then a coach for the Boston Celtics, was suspended during the 2022–2023 NBA season for having an affair with a team staffer, which was against the team policy.

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Though Udoka publicly apologized, Long was especially disappointed by the Celtics organization for airing their private life without her or their son’s consent (Complex).

After the scandal, they tried to co-parent, and Nia Long slowly began to talk about the emotional toll the scandal took on her family, especially her son. Long later accused the Boston Celtics of mistreating her. But as time passed, she became more stable in her work and private life and expressed intentions of moving on and dating once again.

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