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Shaquille O’Neal strongly denied sending flirty DMs to Sabrina Carpenter this week. The NBA legend shut down the viral rumors with humor and confidence, saying he has “way more game than that.”
🔥 Quick Facts
- Denial Date: March 20, 2026, on “The Big Podcast” episode
- The Truth: All DMs were completely fabricated with AI-generated and photoshopped content
- Shaq’s Quote: “The Diesel got way more game than that,” he declared to his podcast audience
- Viral Spread: Fake messages included crude language and explicit false claims aimed at the pop star
NBA Legend Sets Record Straight on Fake Messages
Shaquille O’Neal, the 54-year-old retired basketball icon, addressed the fabricated social media screenshots without hesitation. During his podcast appearance, he laughed while reading the alleged messages aloud, making it clear they were completely fake. The Big Diesel acknowledged that younger social media users are constantly creating false celebrity content.
According to O’Neal, “youngsters” are focused on “the algorithm and going viral,” leading them to create elaborate fake conversations. His response was lighthearted but firm, signaling that he won’t engage seriously with fabricated rumors about his personal life.
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What the Fake DMs Actually Said
The alleged messages included crude language such as “I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle” and other explicit, fabricated content. Sabrina Carpenter, 26, was portrayed as turning down the supposed advances, with responses like “You’re way too famous to be sending messages like that.”
O’Neal read through the fake conversation with visible amusement, highlighting how absurd the fabricated exchanges were. The entire exchange featured AI-generated responses and photoshopped images, making it clear that no actual communication took place between the two celebrities.
Celebrity Rumors in the Age of AI and Social Media
| Rumor Type | Details |
| Fake DM Claims | Completely fabricated with AI and photoshop |
| Celebrity Status | Sabrina Carpenter single since December 2024 |
| Shaq’s Response | Public denial on March 20 via podcast |
| Social Media Motive | Viral trends, algorithm manipulation |
“First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that. I’m just saying.”
Shaquille O’Neal, on “The Big Podcast”
Pattern of Fabricated Celebrity Stories Online
This incident adds to a growing trend of fake celebrity content spreading across social media platforms. O’Neal has previously addressed other rumors, including October 2025 claims about him and OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain, which he also firmly denied. He explained that he was simply DJing at a nightclub when they were seen together.
The podcast host’s guest, Jim Jones, noted that social media has become a “dangerous place” where people invest time and energy into fabricating celebrity narratives. Both men agreed that the problem reflects a deeper issue with viral culture and the obsession with gaining attention at any cost.
Why Do Fans Still Believe the Rumors?
Despite Shaquille O’Neal’s public denial and clear evidence that the messages were fake, some social media users continue speculating. The believability factor increases because both celebrities are major public figures with large social media presences. Sabrina Carpenter, the 26-year-old pop and TV star, remains single and focused on her career after her December 2024 breakup.
What’s clear is that O’Neal wanted to use his platform to discourage the spread of false information. By addressing the rumors directly and with humor, he demonstrated that such fabrications don’t merit serious engagement but rather deserve to be called out publicly.
Sources
- E! Online – Shaquille O’Neal addresses viral DM rumors
- Us Weekly – Shaquille O’Neal denies flirty messages to Sabrina Carpenter
- The Big Podcast – March 20, 2026 episode with O’Neal
