Shaquille O’Neal has firmly shut down swirling rumours that he’s romantically involved with OnlyFans model Sophie Rain after photos surfaced of the two at her lavish 21st birthday bash in Las Vegas.
The internet was quick to speculate when the pair were spotted looking cozy at Encore Beach Club, with Sophie even seen sitting on the NBA icon’s lap but both parties are now insisting there’s nothing going on behind the scenes.
Sophie, who has built a massive following of eight million on Instagram, says she was blindsided by the gossip.
According to her, while she did meet Shaq and is a longtime fan, any suggestion of a fling is completely false. “There was no funny business,” she said. “We didn’t hook up. I really admire him, but his love life isn’t my concern.”
The 21-year-old influencer, who has previously claimed she’s a virgin and is saving herself for marriage, reiterated that she’s currently single and not sexually active. “People need to relax,” she added. “Yes, I’ve said I don’t mind dating older men, but that doesn’t mean I’m hooking up with Shaq. I’m still a virgin. End of story.”
The buzz around the unlikely pairing intensified when popular internet commentator Noah Glenn Carter posted about their interaction.
That triggered a fiery response from the 53 year old Hall of Famer. “I don’t date that young,” Shaq snapped back in a comment. “But I will date your mom and give you a brother.” He explained his presence at the event was professional, adding, “I was DJing at Encore Beach Club, she came to the party, dummy. Stop trying to create rumours. Don’t make me slap you, dude.”
Despite their denials, fans online have been less than subtle with their takes, many raising eyebrows at the noticeable age gap.
Social media lit up with commentary from jokes about Shaq’s smile being “as big as when he won his first championship” to jabs like “If I’m 53 and partying with a 21-year-old, please shoot me.” Another chimed in with: “He must have lectured her very well on basketball.”
For now, both Shaq and Sophie are making it clear the photos might have sparked headlines, but there’s no romance, no scandal, and definitely no hook-up.
READ MORE: OnlyFans Star Sophie Rain Celebrates 21st Birthday Partying with Shaquille O’Neal
