Shaq Doesn't Want To Be Called A Celebrity: "I'm Done With It"

BY Erika Marie 4.1K Views
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Shaq
The sports icon says that celebrities "are out of their freaking minds with how they treat people" and he doesn't want to be associated with that behavior.

He's one of the most famous sports figures in the world but Shaquille O'Neal does not want to be known as a celebrity. In our current culture, it seems as everyone is vying for their 15 minutes of fame, but while millions are hoping to be the faces behind the net big trend, Shaq doesn't want any part of the title.

Shaq is known to be an approachable figure and we often hear stories about him doing good deeds while out and about. While speaking with the New York Post about his Kellogg campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers icon explained why he dodges the "Celebrity" label.

"These celebrities are going freaking crazy and I don’t want to be one," he told the outlet. "I denounce my celebrity-ness today. I’m done with it... I don’t want to be in that category. Celebrities are crazy, they really are," he added. "Don’t call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking minds 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.”

“All my life, everyone probably gets stereotyped, but us celebrities, we get stereotyped because most of these celebrities are out of their mind. I don’t do that. I’m a regular person that listened, followed his dreams, and made it. But just because I made it doesn't mean I'm bigger than you. Just 'cause I made it doesn't mean I'm smarter than you. Just 'cause I have more money than you doesn't mean I'm better than you."

"I've never been that way, and I'll never be that way. So, I don't want to be in that category with them people." Still, it may be difficult for the world to see him as otherwise, but his fans understood his point. Check out Shaq explaining himself below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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