Just one day following the release of his ex-wife’s memoir, he offered a brief insight into his emotional response to a specific revelation about their marriage.
Article continues below advertisement
Shaunie Henderson Shared A Shocking Revelation About Her Marriage To Shaquille O’Neal
A day following the release of Shaunie Henderson’s memoir, «UNDEFEATED: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms,» O’Neal took to social media to address a statement she made regarding their marriage.
«Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man,» Henderson, 49, wrote about her ex-husband. «I was in love with the idea of building a life together. I truly did enjoy spending time with him.»
The couple started their relationship in the late 90s and married in 2002. The marriage ended when Henderson filed for separation in 2009.
They share four children, sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah. Henderson also has a son, Myles, from a previous relationship, and O’Neal has a daughter, Taahirah, from a former girlfriend.
Article continues below advertisement
Shaquille O’Neal Responded To Shaunie Henderson’s Admission About Their Marriage
O’Neal, 52, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt and somber response to what was written in his ex’s memoir.
«I understand. I wouldn’t have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best. All love, Shaq,» he shared in a post captioned, «Trust me I get it.»
The NBA legend’s candid post received tons of support and love. One of the many positive messages came from the couple’s son, Shareef who wrote, «Literally the most lovable and likable person on the planet!»
Actress Kate Beckinsale shared, «Hey now. We all have a sociopathic ex. I got you -want me to pull up and snatch a wig or two? I will…love you man.»
One fan pointed out, «Accountability and growth is rare. This man gets it…»
Article continues below advertisement
Another fan wasn’t fond of the public admission Henderson made saying, «Her comment was uncalled for. Completely distasteful in my opinion.»
Article continues below advertisement
Before The Book Released, Shaquille O’Neal Said, ‘Uh Oh’
Earlier this year, O’Neal congratulated his ex-wife on the book and shared information about it on his Instagram page.
«Uh oh naaa I’m just playing. Congrats @iamshaunie. Pre-sale link info in @iamshaunie bio,» O’Neal captioned his social media post.
Many of his fans and followers were happy to see O’Neal supporting his ex-wife and mother of his children and shared their support in the comments.
«That’s love. That’s how you support the mother of your children,» one person shared. Another added, «The best thing that you can ever do for your kids is to love and support their mother! I love this for all of y’all.»
Before the book was released, Henderson told PEOPLE that O’Neal had no idea what had been written about him in the book.
Article continues below advertisement
«[Shaquille] has not read it. I haven’t shared it with anybody but my husband and my publicist at this point,» she said. «Anybody that’s in it, I think they deserve to know what’s in it before everybody else does.»
She also revealed that she’s not «throwing him under the bus» in the chapters that talk about their marriage.
«Anything involving Shaquille is always a sketchy thing because he is who he is, and despite what our story is, no one ever wants to hear what could come across as not the greatest reputation,» she said.
Shaunie Henderson’s Book Released On Tuesday
On Wednesday, Henderson shared «the moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here» on Instagram.
«My book UNDEFEATED is OUT NOW! This book is more than a story; it’s an invitation to transform your life and play by your own rules,» she wrote in her caption. «Your support and excitement mean the world to me.»
Tons of congratulatory messages and love filled the comment section.
One fan shared, «I must get because I love the fact that you are forthcoming about who you are,» and another wrote, «Congratulations! This is such a fitting title! Love this! Go Shaunie!»
Article continues below advertisement
‘UNDEFEATED’ Was Five Years In The Making
In mid-January, Henderson took to social media to announce her book and give some insight into what readers can expect.
«Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Shaunie. Some of you know me for being the mama to my beautiful children, the executive producer of a hit reality tv series, the wife and last lady to my handsome husband, all while being the confidant to my vast array of friends….but check the credits again…I’m Shaunie the AUTHOR!» she wrote in an Instagram caption.
«I began writing my new book, UNDEFEATED, over 5 years ago. And man, what a difference time can make. Journey with me as I grow through fear, insecurity, self-doubt and arrive at the destination of courage, confidence and assurance. This process has been scary yet settling as I continue to discover myself daily. I’m in my own lane, a lane I’m proud of, and all roads lead to #UNDEFEATED! Will you join me?»
Henderson, who married pastor Keion Henderson in 2022, told PEOPLE that she «always had a fear of sharing room much and of telling my story that involved anybody else.»
«I didn’t want to disrespect someone else’s story, even if it was a part of mine, but as I get older and do more things in the entertainment industry, I found that people have a misconception of who I am,» she explained.
Article continues below advertisement
«I’m literally telling my story and my journey, which he [O’Neal] was a part of. So I’ve always been a little nervous about that, but I think I did a good job at sharing my story without destroying him because that’s not my intent at all, ever.»
