Steve Harvey Steers Clear of Celebrity Flirting on Family Feud
A recent episode of Celebrity Family Feud has fans buzzing after host Steve Harvey had to intervene during a playful moment between two well-known contestants. The lighthearted exchange unfolded as actress and talk show host Sherri Shepherd went head-to-head with basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal.
The holiday special took an amusing turn when Sherri, seizing the opportunity, approached Shaq for a hug instead of immediately participating in the game. This unexpected move caught Steve off guard, as he typically manages the flow of the competition with precision.
Sherri’s Hug: A Comedic Contrast
In a delightful twist, Sherri initiated what appeared to be a simple handshake but quickly escalated into an embrace. The height difference between them added to the humor—Sherri stands at 5 feet 1 inch while Shaquille towers at 7 feet 1 inch. Their contrasting statures made for an entertaining visual that left viewers chuckling.
As she wrapped her arms around him, Sherri seemed to relish every second, her eyes closed and expression blissful—almost reminiscent of someone enjoying a serene moment in a cozy mattress advertisement.
Keeping Things on Track
However, reality set back in when Steve chimed in with his signature catchphrase: “Hey, hey, hey! We’ve got a game to play!” His interruption snapped Sherri out of her affectionate daze and sent her scurrying back to her designated spot at the podium.
While prolonged hugs can sometimes lead to awkwardness on live television, both celebrities maintained their good spirits throughout this playful encounter. Shaq even joined in on the fun by jokingly warning Steve about his own charm: “Once you go Shaq, you never go back,” he quipped with laughter echoing through the studio.
Sherri responded playfully as well: “Once you go with Sherri, you gonna feel like the Tooth Fairy.” Their banter was light-hearted and clearly part of their established rapport—a testament to their professionalism rather than any inappropriate behavior.
A History of Playful Banter
This wasn’t just an isolated incident; it’s clear that there’s been ongoing flirtation between these two over time. Clips from previous interactions reveal that they have shared similar exchanges before—always within tasteful boundaries that reflect mutual respect rather than discomfort or harassment.
Fans watching this latest episode were thoroughly entertained by their chemistry and cheered enthusiastically for Sherri during this segment. It’s evident that both she and Shaquille are seasoned entertainers who know how to engage audiences while keeping things fun and friendly.
while Steve Harvey had his hands full managing these lively personalities during Celebrity Family Feud’s holiday special, viewers were treated not only to competitive spirit but also moments filled with laughter—a reminder that even amidst gamesmanship there is room for joy and camaraderie among celebrities.

Ananya Upadhyay is an experienced freelance journalist specializing in investigative reporting on health and environmental issues. She is a college student and contributes to The Right Opinion, she delivers impactful news with deep analysis to inform and engage global audiences.