“Shaquille O’Neal Faces Intense Backlash After Reportedly Referring to Angel Reese With Vulgar Insult—NBA Legend Under Fire for Calling Rising WNBA Star an ‘Idiot,’ Sparking Outrage Across Social Media and Prompting Public Demands for Accountability, Respect, and a Formal Apology”
Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer, has recently come under intense scrutiny following comments made during an episode of Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel
. The remarks, which many have labeled as inappropriate and objectifying, have sparked widespread backlash across social media platforms.
During the podcast, O’Neal suggested that Reese, a rising star in the WNBA, would increase merchandise sales by dunking in the “little shorts” she wore at a recent Wild ‘N Out show. He further commented on her appearance, stating, “You’re not beautiful or good-looking – you are gorgeous,” and implied that such attire combined with dunking would boost her earnings. Reese appeared visibly uncomfortable, attempting to steer the conversation away from the topic.
The public reaction was swift and critical. Fans and commentators condemned O’Neal’s remarks as “creepy,” “perverted,” and “disrespectful,” especially given the significant age difference between the two and O’Neal’s role as a mentor to Reese. Social media users expressed disappointment, noting that Reese had previously referred to O’Neal as a father figure and mentor.
This incident has ignited broader discussions about the objectification of female athletes and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. Critics argue that comments like O’Neal’s undermine the achievements of women in sports and perpetuate a culture of sexism and misogyny. The controversy also highlights the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, where mentorship can sometimes blur into inappropriate behavior.
As of now, neither O’Neal nor Reese has publicly addressed the incident further. However, the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful discourse and the need for mentors to uphold the trust placed in them by younger professionals.
