Shaquille O’Neal (54) Reacts to Controversy Over Sabrina Carpenter DMs
Shaquille O’Neal is putting an end to rumors about him sending flirtatious messages to pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The NBA legend addressed the claims during the March 24 episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, where he openly denied the messages and even read them aloud to show how false they were.
The screenshots circulating online featured crude and aggressive texts that quickly caught fire on social media. Some of the alleged messages included lines like, “My meat would have you in the hospital,” and another asking about some “Snow Bunny kitty.” Shaq’s reaction was one of disbelief as he read them on air, showing listeners just how unlike him the messages sounded.
“First of all, the Diesel has way more game than that,” O’Neal said to his co-host Adam Lefkoe, laughing at the idea that he would ever send such unpolished texts. To drive his point home, he even mimicked the messages in his deep voice, highlighting how absurd they appeared coming from him.
Shaquille O'Neal is now addressing claims that he sent Sabrina Carpenter "h*rny" DMs.
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 25, 2026
Details: https://t.co/BGItIemDXH
Credit: The Big Podcast with Shaq pic.twitter.com/RdjhZauaeZ
Rapper Jim Jones, who was a guest on the episode, added perspective about the dangers of modern technology. He pointed out that AI makes it increasingly easy to create fake conversations that look real online. Shaq agreed, noting that “a computer might be able to forge my name, but it can never replicate my brand of legendary charm.”
While the fake DM scandal has drawn attention online, Shaq remains busy with his many entertainment and business ventures. He continues to grow his empire with projects ranging from sports commentary to his various brand deals.
Sabrina Carpenter, 26, has stayed quiet about the incident, focusing instead on her busy music and acting schedule. She recently finished high-profile performances at Lollapalooza Brazil and Colombia’s Estéreo Picnic Festival.
Fans are eagerly awaiting her next big appearance, which includes headlining Coachella in April and starring in a live-action Alice in Wonderland musical for Universal Pictures. Carpenter is not just leading the film as the star but also taking on a producer role, marking a new step in her career.
Though she hasn’t publicly commented on the fake DMs, Carpenter’s rising career and packed schedule show that internet rumors won’t slow her down. For Shaq, the message was clear: the viral texts are not real, and his reputation as a smooth operator remains intact.
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