Rapper Kevin Gates made a deeply personal revelation during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, opening up about being sexually assaulted as a child and how the trauma shaped much of his life.
In the candid conversation, Gates spoke about the long-term effects of the abuse, explaining that it contributed to his anger, aggression, and fear of vulnerability while growing up. He shared that, for years, he coped by trying to become emotionally and physically tough, often masking pain with strength.
Gates told Sharpe that music became his escape, allowing him to process emotions he didn’t feel safe expressing elsewhere. He emphasized how unaddressed trauma can influence behavior, relationships, and self-identity, particularly for men who are often discouraged from showing vulnerability.
Shannon Sharpe approached the topic with empathy, creating space for Gates to speak openly about healing, accountability, and breaking cycles of silence. Gates also explained why he’s chosen to speak publicly about his experience, saying that sharing his truth has helped others feel less alone and more willing to confront their own past trauma.
The moment stood out as one of the more powerful and emotional segments of Club Shay Shay, highlighting the importance of conversations around mental health, childhood abuse, and healing, especially within the Black community and among men.
