Shaquille O’Neal is simply “uplifting people” on social media, including new viral sensation Ariana Josephine, a.k.a. “Home Depot Girl.”
Days after the NBA Hall of Famer, 51, sparked internet chatter by stepping out with influencer pal Brittany Renner, O’Neal ignited buzz once again over an exchange with Ariana.
A video creator who is passionate about faith, fashion, lifestyle, and beauty, Ariana became a Twitter talking point this week as some fans praised her profession – while others turned the conversation towards OnlyFans.
Ariana then appeared to catch heat for comments made, with some speculating if she had shaded sex workers, according to Clutch Points.
She then addressed the controversy in a YouTube video, stating in part, “I have no problem with women who do sex work … I never want another woman to feel like I am belittling them.”
In the wake of the sudden limelight, Ariana received a supportive message in her DMs from none other than O’Neal.
“Don’t let them peopl [sic] bother u,” O’Neal told Ariana, according to screenshots from Legion Hoops.
“Don’t read the comments stuff like that will drive you crazy.”
As Ariana expressed gratitude for O’Neal’s kindness, the NBA legend quipped, “Have a great day tell all your boyfriends I said hello lol.”
“When Shaq text you know you doing something right okay!” Ariana exclaimed of the exchange.
When asked about his messages to Ariana, which naturally went viral, O’Neal responded, “Just uplifting people that’s what the diesel do baby I uplift people google me.”
It’s been a wild few days for O’Neal, who took a break from NBA Finals coverage Tuesday to enjoy dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel with Renner, with the outing described to TMZ as “nothing more than two friends catching up.”
Renner shares a child with Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington. O’Neal was previously married to Shaunie O’Neal.
The former couple, who has four children together, wed in 2002 and divorced in 2011.
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