Fresh off viral chatter, Shaquille O’Neal<\/a> is shutting down rumors that he sent explicit messages to Sabrina Carpenter<\/a>\u2014and he\u2019s doing it directly.<\/p>\n The claim, which spread across social media this week<\/a>, centered on a fake headline alleging O\u2019Neal had \u201cshot his shot\u201d at the pop star. The post included fabricated direct messages that quickly gained traction online.<\/p>\n Addressing it on The Big Podcast<\/em><\/a>, O\u2019Neal made it clear the entire thing was false. After reading part of the alleged exchange, he dismissed it outright: \u201cFirst of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that, I\u2019m just saying.\u201d<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n Outside of social media rumors, there is no evidence that any communication between O\u2019Neal and Carpenter ever took place.<\/p>\n Both figures come from very different corners of pop culture, which likely fueled the viral moment. O\u2019Neal, 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 \u201cEspresso.\u201d<\/p>\n Shaq\u2019s comments also align with how he typically handles public narratives around his personal life.<\/p>\n In the past, he has spoken candidly about relationships and growth, acknowledging mistakes he\u2019d made in previous relationships (including with his now ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson), while emphasizing accountability. \u201cA man has three jobs when it comes to a woman\u2014protect, provide, and love,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The moment lands just months after O\u2019Neal made headlines for a very different reason\u2014pitching a reality dating concept during a November 2025 appearance on Andy Cohen Live<\/em><\/a>. At the time, he joked about creating a show called The Next Mrs. O\u2019Neal, <\/em>where he\u2019d search for love in a Bachelor-<\/em>style environment.<\/p>\n It is unclear whom either O\u2019 Neal or Carpenter are dating as of this writing.<\/p>\n <\/a> Shaq Says Kevin Durant’s Move to Houston Is ‘Underrated’<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Shaquille O’Neal Launches First Signature Fragrance, Available Only at JCPenney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Olivia Rodrigo Says It\u2019s \u2018All Love\u2019 as She Shuts Down Sabrina Carpenter Beef<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Michigan AG Sues Kalshi, Says Its Sports Prediction Markets Are Illegal Betting<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The Most Annoying Duke Players of the Last Decade<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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