Shaquille O’Neal is pushing back against viral claims that he sent explicit direct messages to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, calling the circulating screenshots fabricated and misleading.
The rumors, which spread widely across social media platforms this month, alleged that O’Neal privately contacted Carpenter with inappropriate messages. The claims gained traction after doctored screenshots appeared online, drawing attention due to the unlikely pairing.
Speaking on a recent episode of “The Big Podcast,” O’Neal addressed the controversy directly. He dismissed the messages as fake and mocked their tone.
“First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that,” O’Neal said, referencing his longtime nickname.
Viral Screenshots and a Public Denial
During the podcast, O’Neal read portions of the alleged messages aloud, inviting guests to judge their authenticity. The messages included bizarre and explicit language that quickly raised skepticism among listeners.
One widely circulated line claimed he said he would “keep your farts in a cologne bottle.”
O’Neal laughed while recounting the exchange and made clear he had no involvement in the messages. He emphasized that the screenshots had been manipulated, noting that his likeness was used without context.
The 54-year-old Hall of Famer suggested the content was created for attention. He pointed to a growing trend of fabricated celebrity interactions designed to go viral.
“These youngsters are focused on the algorithm and going viral,” he said during the episode, describing the motivations behind such posts.
Carpenter, 26, has not publicly responded to the rumors.
A Broader Pattern of Online Hoaxes
The incident reflects a broader issue facing public figures in the digital age. Edited images and AI-generated content have made it easier to create convincing but false narratives.
O’Neal has previously addressed other rumors about his personal life, often choosing humor over confrontation. In this case, he again leaned on a lighthearted tone while firmly rejecting the claims.
The fabricated messages portrayed Carpenter as responding skeptically, with one reply reading, “You’re way too famous to be sending messages like that.”
Despite the absurdity of the exchange, the rumor spread rapidly, fueled by reposts and commentary across platforms.
O’Neal’s response highlights the challenges celebrities face in controlling misinformation. Even clearly exaggerated claims can gain traction before they are debunked.
For now, the former NBA star appears unfazed. By addressing the issue publicly, he aimed to put the speculation to rest while reminding audiences not to believe everything they see online.
“I’m just saying,” O’Neal added, “that’s not me.”
