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UPDATE — 9/16/26, 3:45 p.m. ET: Sheryl Lee Ralph is apologizing for comments she made during a live, red carpet interview at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
“In the excitement of celebrating our show and the incredible work we have all done together, I said something that did not reflect what I truly feel about our fellow artists and the extraordinary shows in our comedy community,” Ralph, 69, said via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, September 15. “My intention was to celebrate what we’ve built and never to diminish anyone else.”
She continued, “But intention doesn’t erase impact, and I understand how my words sounded dismissive. For that, I’m truly sorry.”
Original story below:
Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph is throwing shade at the competition before the 2026 Emmy Awards announce their winners.
“I’m very excited. Abbott Elementary, top of the conversation,” Ralph, 69, said during an interview on E! Live From the Red Carpet: Emmys 2026 on Monday, September 14. “Nominated for best cast. I’m looking forward to a win since we’re the only real comedy in the category.”
When host Justin Sylvester let out an “ooh!” and teased, “You heard it here first,” Ralph playfully replied, “Yeah, you did.”
Abbott Elementary is nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series alongside The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking and Widow’s Bay.
The winner will be announced on Monday night inside the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.
Until the trophy is handed out, Ralph — who became the second Black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary at the 2022 Emmy Awards — is simply celebrating all that she has accomplished as she prepares to visit Africa for an unforgettable 70th birthday in December.
“I have a big birthday coming up, and I’m taking it to the motherland to celebrate the ancestors that brought me to this moment,” she said while wearing a Sergio Hudson dress. “It’s going to be a wonderful, wonderful party. Great food, great music, great dancing and a wonderful celebration of a life still living, well lived.”
When asked to explain why she doesn’t hesitate to hide her age, Ralph said she tells people to “take a close-up.”
“Zoom in. Don’t be afraid,” she said. “I woke up like this — almost.”
That wisdom will soon be shared in her upcoming book, titled You Better Love What You See. The project, whose title takes inspiration from her acceptance speech at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, is a “moving guide for anyone who wonders if they’re enough,” per its synopsis via People.
“In recent years, I’ve seen how deeply people are searching for inspiration and a reminder of their own worth,” Ralph explained to the publication. “In conversations with loved ones and fans, I’ve heard how my words, ‘People don’t have to like you … They don’t even have to respect you. But when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see!’ have resonated with people around the world. Reflecting on the incredible wisdom imparted to me throughout my life, I knew I had more to share.”
Abbott Elementary returns to ABC Wednesday, October 7, at 8:30 p.m. Stream new episodes the next day on Hulu.
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