functions.php

<?php

/**
 * Remove Shared Counts from sponsored posts 
 *
 * @see 
 * @author Bill Erickson
 */
function be_remove_shared_counts_from_sponsored_posts( $locations ) {

  if( is_single() && has_category( 'sponsored' ) ) {
    $locations['before']['hook'] = false;
    $locations['before']['filter'] = false;
    $locations['after']['hook'] = false;
    $locations['after']['filter'] = false;
  }
  
  return $locations;
}
add_filter( 'shared_counts_theme_locations', 'be_remove_shared_counts_from_sponsored_posts' );