Shaquille O’Neal Clears Up Chicken Restaurant Rumor Regarding Joy Behar On The View
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, 52, brought his larger-than-life personality to The View on July 17, joining hosts Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin for a lively chat. Shaq, towering over the co-hosts, greeted each with a handshake and a hug before diving into their questions.
Whoopie, 68, kicked off the segment by noting that it had been a decade since Shaq last appeared on the show and teased a “sweet and Shaqalicious treat.” Shaq revealed the treat to be Shaq-shaped sour gummies, a fun collaboration with Hershey’s. He joked, “I knew that if I didn’t answer questions correctly that you ladies were going to bite my head off, so I brought you something that you can bite my head off.”
After some laughter about “nibbling on his face,” Joy, 82, steered the conversation to a pressing topic. Referring to his new ABC game show, Lucky 13, she said, “Before we talk about this new true or false show of yours that you’re hosting. Apparently there’s a rumor going around. A big rumor!”
Shaq, with a knowing smile, interrupted, “By the way, Charles Barkley, I know you started that, and I hate you.”
Turning back to Joy, Shaq continued, “Joy, I want to say I would never kick you out of a restaurant. I love you.”
Joy clarified the rumor, which claimed she was kicked out of one of Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurants and banned for life. The rumor likely originated from a satirical article that went viral on social media.
Shaq, still jokingly blaming his longtime friend, reiterated, “Charles Barkley started that, and Charles, we hate you. So you know what I did? Since I’m the owner of the restaurant, I give you a lifetime warranty. I will never kick you out, never, ever.”
He then handed Behar a physical card to his fried chicken sandwich chain, solidifying his promise.
The conversation took various turns, touching on Shaq’s love of pedicures and his support of the WNBA. As the segment wrapped up, Joy continued the bit, expressing her desire for Charles to come on the show and apologize.
With a serious expression, Shaq asked, “Am I allowed to say ‘ass’ on the show?”
Once he got a go-ahead, he turned to the camera, making a spanking motion with his hand, and declared, “Charles Barkley, if you don’t come, I’m going to beat your ass. You better come sit with these ladies.”
