In a headline-making encounter that few saw coming, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal reportedly threw Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro out of his restaurant, Shaquille’s, in Los Angeles. The reason for the dramatic expulsion? Shaq allegedly called De Niro a “creepy woke jackass.” This incident has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and culinary worlds, igniting debates on social media and in the press about respect, free speech, and the intersection of celebrity culture and political views.
The altercation took place at Shaquille’s, Shaq’s upscale dining establishment known for its laid-back atmosphere and top-notch cuisine. De Niro, who has frequently been in the news for his vocal political opinions, walked into the restaurant expecting a quiet evening with friends. However, his plans took an unexpected turn when Shaq himself confronted the actor.
Witnesses at the scene describe a tense exchange between the two celebrities. Shaq, towering over De Niro, reportedly approached the actor’s table and began a heated discussion. Although the exact details of the conversation are not fully known, sources claim Shaq was clearly displeased with De Niro’s recent public statements. The argument culminated with Shaq telling De Niro to leave, stating, “We don’t need your kind here. Go be a woke jackass somewhere else.”
News of the incident quickly spread, capturing the attention of media outlets and social media platforms alike. Fans of both Shaq and De Niro have been vocal in their reactions, with opinions divided along lines of political and personal loyalty. Supporters of Shaq applauded his actions, viewing them as a stand against what they perceive as the overreach of celebrity activism and political correctness. Meanwhile, De Niro’s fans condemned Shaq’s behavior, calling it disrespectful and unprofessional.
The clash between Shaq and De Niro has also elicited responses from other high-profile figures. Former NBA star Charles Barkley, known for his blunt commentary, voiced his support for Shaq during a sports talk show. “Shaq did what a lot of people want to do. De Niro’s always running his mouth about stuff he doesn’t understand,” Barkley said.
On the other hand, actor Mark Ruffalo took to Twitter to defend De Niro, writing, “Robert De Niro is a national treasure. It’s disgraceful that someone like Shaq would treat him with such disrespect. This isn’t about being woke, it’s about basic human decency.”
Central to this incident is the contentious issue of “wokeness.” The term has become a flashpoint in cultural debates, often used to describe progressive social and political views. Critics argue that “wokeness” leads to excessive political correctness and stifles free speech, while supporters believe it represents necessary social progress and awareness.
