Shaquille O'Neal is facing criticism for his comments towards WNBA star Angel Reese regarding the attire she wore, which fans have labeled as "perverted" and "creepy."
During a recent episode of Reese's podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," the former Los Angeles Lakers star, aged 52, made remarks about the outfit the Chicago Sky star wore to a "Wild 'N Out" event in Chicago earlier this month, suggesting that it could help her financially.
He commented, "Imagine you in them same little ass shorts you had on at the 'Wild 'N Out' show dunking. You know how many T-shirts you gon' sell? You trippin'." O'Neal was referring to the blue shorts Reese wore, which exposed the lower half of her buttocks.
Reese, 22, appeared visibly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and attempted to steer it elsewhere, saying, "OK, all right, all right, all right."
O'Neal's remarks did not sit well with fans, who felt he had overstepped boundaries with his mentee.
One user expressed their disapproval, stating, "Shaq sexualizing Angel Reese when he’s 30 years her senior and has kids older than her," accompanied by a GIF of Tiffany Haddish gagging.
Another user added, "Angel Reese learned a painful lesson about men through Shaq in real-time, I fear."
A third person commented, "Shaq is 52 years old and has gotten a free pass for being creepy because he’s an NBA legend. Angel Reese looks at Shaq like a father figure mentor type, and he’s talking about her in booty shorts, lmao."
Another user highlighted the issue of victim-blaming, writing, "I’m glad people are recognizing Shaq’s creepy and perverted behavior. What I don’t like is some people following up with 'well if Angel dresses like that what does she expect.' She can dress sexy and still not want to be sexually harassed."
Page Six has reached out to representatives for both O'Neal and Reese for comments but has not received an immediate response.
O'Neal and Reese have had a close relationship since her rise to stardom following her transition from LSU to the professional league. Last October, O'Neal, who is the president of basketball operations at Reebok, signed Reese, the co-owner of the DC Power Football Club, to a multi-year name, image, and likeness deal with the brand.
In January, Reese described O'Neal as a "father figure," emphasizing his support and mentorship during challenging times. She stated, "He’s super inspiring to me. He’s so genuine, he’s been there for me through tough times. He just gets it, and there’s not a more perfect person for me to be tight with."
Reese further added, "We have fun, and if I need anything, he would help me … and he would do that even if I never played basketball again. He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person."
