Shaquille O’Neal has addressed a bizarre online rumor alleging he sent ‘horny’ direct messages to Sabrina Carpenter.
The story began circulating on social media earlier this month and quickly gained traction, with posts claiming the NBA icon had messaged the pop star privately.
So was it real—or another viral fabrication?
On the March 20 episode of his podcast, The Big Podcast, O’Neal responded publicly and insisted the whole thing was made up.
“First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that,” he said, referring to himself using his DJ name.
“I’m just saying.”
As the rumor spread, screenshots of supposed DMs also surfaced online. O’Neal, 54, read the alleged messages out loud while discussing how ridiculous they were.
“Damn, baby, I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day,’” he said, quoting the fake texts. “‘Just jokes, I’m Shaq. What’s your name, baby?’ And Sabrina says, ‘I know who you are. You’re way too famous to be sending messages like that.’”
The fake exchange then escalated, with another alleged message sent to the Grammy winner, 26: “I can’t be horny and want some of that snow bunny kitty for no reason. You can’t handle Big Diesel anyway. My meat would have you in the hospital.’”
O’Neal laughed off the bogus screenshots and suggested the whole stunt was likely created by younger users chasing attention, clicks, and viral momentum through “the algorithm.”
Away from the internet chatter, O’Neal is a father of six. He shares his eldest daughter, Taahirah, 29, with ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh. He is also father to Myles, 28, Shareef, 26, Amirah, 24, Shaqir, 22, and Me’arah, 19, whom he shares with his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson.
He has also been blunt about his financial philosophy at home, making it clear his kids shouldn’t expect to automatically receive his estimated $500 million fortune.
Despite his success, O’Neal has said his children are expected to carve out their own paths rather than depend on his money. As he has previously put it: “We ain’t rich. I’m rich,”
He’s emphasized education and independence, saying he expects them to earn at least a bachelor’s degree—and often a master’s—before he would even think about financially supporting bigger plans. Even then, he has explained that any backing comes with requirements, including presenting business ideas and demonstrating they’re legitimate opportunities.
While he’s open to investing in their projects, he’s repeatedly stressed he won’t simply hand over cash—adding that his priority is for them to become self-sufficient in careers beyond basketball.