Shaquille O’Neal’s Comments on Angel Reese’s Viral Outfit Draw Backlash

Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese have often talked about their close mentor-mentee relationship, with O’Neal supporting Reese through her career. However, O’Neal’s recent comments on the “little shorts” Reese wore on Wild ‘n Out, which went viral, have stirred up criticism online.

The 22-year-old basketball star wore shorts on Wild ‘n Out that quickly gained attention. Later, on her podcast Unapologetically Angel, Shaquille O’Neal suggested she use the shorts to boost her brand. “Imagine you in those same little shorts you had on at Wild ‘n Out, dunking.

“Shaq sexualizing Angel Reese when he’s 30 years her senior and has kids older than her,” one user wrote on X. “Angel Reese learned a painful lesson about men through Shaq in real time, I fear,” another user wrote.

“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,” another used added.

You know how many T-shirts you’d sell?” Shaquille O’Neal said. Reese, seeming uncomfortable, replied, “OK, all right, all right, all right,” to steer the conversation away.

Fans on social media were quick to react, with one user saying, “Shaq is sexualizing Angel Reese, and he’s 30 years older than her.” Others supported Reese, saying, “She can dress how she wants and still not want to be harassed.”

Reese has spoken highly of Shaquille O’Neal in the past, calling him a “father figure” who’s supported her through tough times. “He cares about me as a person, not just as a player,” she told USA Today in January.

O’Neal, who has four daughters, also shared that he sees Reese as a family member. “She reminds me of one of my daughters,” he told VIBE. “If she needs help, I’m there.”

The four-time NBA Champion reciprocated those feelings. “I have four daughters. She reminds me of one of my babies,” he told VIBE last month. “Coming from where she’s come from, sometimes you need that extra protector, and that was me.

I always let her know, ‘Anybody f**k with you, holler at me.’ When she was going through her thing with Kim [Mulkey], I was the one that got on the phone and was like, ‘Hey, this how you handle it, relax,’ and she did a wonderful, beautiful job.”

The conversation has sparked debate about respecting boundaries, especially in relationships with large age gaps, showing the importance of maintaining respect and comfort in mentor relationships.