Shaquille O'Neal Denies Sending Explicit DMs to Sabrina Carpenter
NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal has been compelled to publicly deny allegations that he sent unsavoury direct messages to singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter on Instagram. A screenshot purportedly showing the 54-year-old Los Angeles Lakers legend attempting to flirt with the 26-year-old star circulated widely across social media platforms, prompting O'Neal to address the controversy directly on his podcast.
Podcast Clarification and Viral Messages
During the recording, O'Neal presented the alleged messages to his guest, rapper Jim Jones, seeking verification. "I want you to tell me if this is me or not me," O'Neal stated before reading one of the purported exchanges. The message attributed to him read: "Damn, baby. I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day. Just jokes, I'm Shaq baby, what's your name?"
The screenshot further suggested Carpenter responded: "I know who you are, you're way too famous to be sending me messages like that." O'Neal proceeded to read additional alleged messages that grew progressively more distasteful, ultimately dismissing the entire episode as a fabricated internet rumor.
Celebrity Relationship Statuses
Both celebrities involved are currently believed to be single. Sabrina Carpenter's most recent public relationship was with Hollywood actor Barry Keoghan, while Shaquille O'Neal has been single since his divorce from Shaunie O'Neal, to whom he was married from 2002 to 2011. The former couple share four children together.
O'Neal concluded the discussion with characteristic humour, laughing as he declared, "Got way more game than that," reinforcing his denial of the viral claims. The incident highlights the rapid spread of unverified celebrity gossip across digital platforms and the challenges public figures face in addressing such allegations.
