Shaquille O’Neal Explains The Viral Rumor That He Sent Sabrina Carpenter ‘Horny’ DMs

Shaquille O’Neal is clearing the air about a viral rumor that he sent “horny” messages to Sabrina Carpenter.

On a recent episode of his “The Big Podcast,” the NBA legend denied sliding into the pop star’s DMs in a conversation with rapper Jim Jones.

“First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that,” O’Neal said on the March 20 episode, referring to his self-appointed moniker. “I’m just saying.”

The former Los Angeles Lakers star couldn’t help but poke fun at the absurdity of the gossip while reading the messages aloud.

“‘Damn, baby, I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day,’” he said, quoting the fraudulent DMs that appeared on Instagram. “‘Just jokes, I’m Shaq. What’s your name, baby?’ And [the faux] Sabrina says, ‘I know who you are. You’re way too famous to be sending messages like that.’”

Jones responded in disbelief, “That’s crazy.”

The fabricated messages, which featured a doctored profile image of O’Neal, showed him telling the “Espresso” singer, “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?”

The four-time NBA champion’s guest co-host Bailey Jackson immediately responded, “I definitely do not believe that is you,” before adding, “social media is a dangerous game.”

Carpenter has been romantically linked to stars like Joshua Bassett and Shawn Mendes. Most recently, she dated Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan. After nearly a year of dating the “Saltburn” star, a source told People in December 2024 that the pair “decided to take a break.”

Meanwhile, O’Neal was married to ex-wife Shaunie Henderson from 2002 to 2011.

Watch O’Neal’s “The Big Podcast” below. Skip to the 12:20 mark to hear the NBA star shut down the rumors.