Shaquille O'Neal told Donald Trump to 'shut the f*** up' in ugly row over performance

Current NBA superstars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been vocal in their criticism of Donald Trump. And in 2023, retired basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal unleashed some harsh words aimed at the US president.

The former LA Lakers and Miami Heat legend issued his stern rebuttal to Trump after the Republican leader was critical of Rihanna's half-time performance at Super Bowl LVII.

After the pop star's brief show during the interlude of the Kansas City Chief's 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles – result the Eagles avenged this year as the two sides met again at Super Bowl LIX – Trump took to social media platform Truth Social to slam the performance.

He wrote: “EPIC FAIL: Rihanna gave, without question, the single worst Halftime Show in Super Bowl history.

Rihanna performs during the Super Bowl halftime show. Image: Alamy

"This after insulting far more than half of our Nation, which is already in serious DECLINE, with her foul and insulting language.”

Trump, who at the time was a candidate for re-election, also took as shot at the superstar singer's outfit.

“Also, so much for her ‘Stylist!’" he added.

Rapper Kodak Black, a Trump supporter after the president spared him a jail sentence with a pardon in 2021, commented: "Man, uncle Trump said that sh** garbage."

O'Neal, speaking on his podcast, the Big Pod with Shaq, appeared to address both Trump and Kodak Black when snapping back at the criticism Rihanna received for her half-time show.

"All you people disrespecting Rihanna, shut your face," the NBA great said. "She did a wonderful job. She’s pregnant. She blessed it. She didn’t fall. Just leave it there. All you superstars that’s disrespecting and causing beef — shut your face, shut it up.

"If she was my woman and I seen one of you superstars do that, I’m gonna have to get at you,” O’Neal added. “Rappers. Presidential candidates. I’m gonna have to get at you. Leave her alone."