Retired NBA legend and media personality has been at the forefront of an internet frenzy following a photo that went viral. It depicted a PDA-ridden moment with a woman, alluding to a possible romantic relationship Shaq shared with her. However, the 52-year-old quickly dispelled these notions.
The controversy began when an influencer named Maria Ozuna Teachey took to Instagram to post a photo of a tall, black man, with his hands over her. While the man's face was cut off, his arms and physique did bear a striking resemblance to the 7-foot-1 NBA legend we know and love. The internet took notice, and speculations started swirling about a possible connection between the two.
However, when World Star reposted the image on IG, Shaq commented below, "nope, not the kid," on Tuesday, September 17. He then doubled down on his stance when he posted a video of himself, sitting beside Peter Gunz, singing along to the famous 2000 hit by Shaggy, It Wasn't Me. He continued the gag in a reel that showed him striking a similar pose with another woman.
“Is this my girlfriend too, trust me I’ll let yall know who my woman is,and by the way my woman name is Shaqirah."
He added that he would let the world know when he's "in love." However, the woman shot back with proof. The two were allegedly at Harrah's casino in Atlantic City. The video also featured a welcoming note from the staff, naming the sports commentator specifically, along with a clip of him passed out on the couch.
The internet reacts to Shaquille O'Neal's denial, claims they caught him in "4K"
Regardless, internet users remained divided. While some sided with Shaquille O'Neal, noting that it could've been a ploy for attention, others raised suspicion. "They do anything for clout," one user noted.
The masses online had a lot to say about the beloved NBA legend, both in his defense and against him.
"She just ruin her shit. Why post now you just got smash and you ain’t getting nothing out of it.. can’t expose him he ain’t married," one user noted.
"God damn. She recorded every moment in anticipation of this lol," another user theorized.
"She ain’t have to do all this we knew that was his big ass," one user commented.
Others echoed these sentiments as well, noting that it could just as easily have been Shaquille O'Neal, given the man's physique.
"Was this even necessary? everyone could tell it was Shaq from the picture," one user declared.
"Shaq we recognized you in 4K unc," another user joked.
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Notably, Shaq was in Atlantic City that day on August 17. In the past, Shaquille O'Neal has kept things fairly quiet about his love life following his divorce from Shaunie Henderson in 2011. According to Ranker, the NBA legend has reportedly dated six women since then: Annie Ilonzeh, Laticia Rolle, Nicole Alexander, Laura Govan, Dominica Westling, and Karrine Steffans.
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