Shaquille O'Neal Addresses Viral Rumor of Inappropriate Messages to Sabrina Carpenter
NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal has publicly denied a viral rumor alleging he sent explicit direct messages to pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. On a recent episode of his podcast, "The Big Podcast," O'Neal dismissed the gossip as fabricated and absurd, emphasizing his reputation and sense of humor in the process.
Podcast Denial and Humorous Response
During the March 20 episode, O'Neal discussed the rumor with rapper Jim Jones, stating, "First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that," referring to his self-appointed nickname. He read aloud the fraudulent messages that circulated on Instagram, which included bizarre lines like, "Damn, baby, I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day." O'Neal added, "Just jokes, I'm Shaq. What's your name, baby?" with a faux response from Carpenter saying, "I know who you are. You're way too famous to be sending messages like that." Jones reacted with disbelief, calling it "crazy."
Details of the Fabricated Messages
The doctored messages featured a fake profile image of O'Neal and contained inappropriate content directed at Carpenter, known for her hit "Espresso." One message read, "I can't be horny and want some of that snow bunny kitty for myself. You're being rude for no reason. You can't handle Big Diesel anyway. My meat would have you in the hospital. Can we find out?" Guest co-host Bailey Jackson immediately expressed skepticism, saying, "I definitely do not believe that is you," and noted, "social media is a dangerous game."
Background on the Celebrities Involved
Sabrina Carpenter has been romantically linked to several high-profile figures, including Joshua Bassett and Shawn Mendes. Most recently, she dated Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan, with a source telling People in December 2024 that the pair "decided to take a break" after nearly a year together. Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal was married to ex-wife Shaunie Henderson from 2002 to 2011, and he continues to be a prominent figure in sports and entertainment through his podcast and other ventures.
This incident highlights the prevalence of false information on social media and the impact it can have on public figures. O'Neal's response underscores the importance of verifying sources before believing viral claims, especially in the digital age where misinformation spreads rapidly.
