Fresh off viral chatter, Shaquille O’Neal is shutting down rumors that he sent explicit messages to Sabrina Carpenter—and he’s doing it directly.
The claim, which spread across social media this week, centered on a fake headline alleging O’Neal had “shot his shot” at the pop star. The post included fabricated direct messages that quickly gained traction online.
Addressing it on The Big Podcast, O’Neal made it clear the entire thing was false. After reading part of the alleged exchange, he dismissed it outright: “First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that, I’m just saying.”
Outside of social media rumors, there is no evidence that any communication between O’Neal and Carpenter ever took place.
Both figures come from very different corners of pop culture, which likely fueled the viral moment. O’Neal, a Basketball Hall of Famer and longtime media personality, has remained a constant presence in sports, business, and entertainment. Carpenter, meanwhile, has seen her profile rise significantly in recent years, including a major showing at the 2025 Grammy Awards tied to the success of “Espresso.”
Shaq’s comments also align with how he typically handles public narratives around his personal life.
In the past, he has spoken candidly about relationships and growth, acknowledging mistakes he’d made in previous relationships (including with his now ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson), while emphasizing accountability. “A man has three jobs when it comes to a woman—protect, provide, and love,” he said.
The moment lands just months after O’Neal made headlines for a very different reason—pitching a reality dating concept during a November 2025 appearance on Andy Cohen Live. At the time, he joked about creating a show called The Next Mrs. O’Neal, where he’d search for love in a Bachelor-style environment.
It is unclear whom either O’ Neal or Carpenter are dating as of this writing.
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