Shaquille O'Neal Disassociated Himself From Celebrity Status Three Decades Ago

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It is crucial to remember that not all celebrities treat their fans poorly, and a significant number of them try to engage with and express gratitude toward their followers. Nonetheless, when a celebrity does exhibit negative behavior towards their fans, it is often due to a multifaceted combination of factors rather than a singular cause.

These factors can include elements such as a bad mood or day, feeling their privacy is being invaded, having an unbecoming personality, or dealing with personal problems. With a deep tone befitting NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal, once a towering star in the world of basketball, still shines bright even as he takes on a new role as a broadcaster in his post-playing career.

However, referring to him as a mere celebrity would be a grave mistake. In an interview with People on Wednesday, the Basketball Hall of Famer made it clear that he distanced himself from that label long ago and does not wish to associate with such people anymore.

As he put it, "I denounced myself from being a celebrity thirty years ago because a lot of celebrities are a--holes." The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar prefers to be considered just an ordinary person rather than be categorized as those unpleasant individuals.

Shaquille O'Neal Speaks Out Against The Treatment Of People By Celebrities

Similarly, in an interview with the New York Post back in 2021, O'Neal expressed his strong disdain towards the celebrity culture, stating, "These celebrities are going freaking crazy, and I don't want to be one." The former center went on to denounce his celebrity status, adding, "I denounce my celebrity-ness today.

I'm done with it." O'Neal firmly stated that he refuses to be categorized as a celebrity, as he believes they are often irrational and treat people poorly. He emphasized, "Don't call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking mind with how they treat people, what they do, what they say.

That's never been me. I never want to be looked at like that." Of course, some celebrities may relish the attention and special treatment that comes with their fame. But for those who want to be treated like regular people, it's often a way of maintaining a sense of normalcy and authenticity in their lives.