During Tuesday night’s episode of Inside the NBA on TNT, an unforgettable moment unfolded involving a reference to rapper Jay-Z that caused Shaq to walk out.
The situation began when co-host Kenny Smith mentioned Jay-Z in passing.
However, Charles Barkley swiftly interrupted him, who stated that it was probably not the correct time to mention him.
“Probably not a good time right now”.
Via Twitter/X
Barkley’s remark caused Shaquille O’Neal to break into laughter so intense that he walked off-set, attempting to hide his amusement behind a wall.
As the off-screen laughter continued, Smith, smiling, repeatedly told Barkley that he was a silly man.
“You are a silly man.”
Via Twitter/X
Inside the NBA is still the greatest NBA show!
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 11, 2024
Kenny: "You think Jay-Z”
Barkley: "Probably not a good time right now"
Shaq & EJ 😂😂pic.twitter.com/zxa9jYN9sA
The context behind Barkley’s comment stems from recent allegations against Jay-Z.
The rapper was named in a lawsuit claiming he, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, assaulted a 13-year-old girl at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Combs is currently facing charges of sex trafficking.
Jay-Z Has Vehemently Denied The Accusations
Jay-Z has strongly denied recent allegations accusing him of assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a post-MTV Video Music Awards party in 2000 alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, described the claims as part of a “blackmail attempt” by attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed the lawsuit.
In a statement to The Daily Beast through his publicist, Jay-Z asserted that the nature of these allegations would make him want to settle with Buzbee.
However, Jay-Z doubled down and stated he would not be giving even “one red penny.”
“What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!”
Via Instagram
Furthermore, in the statement, Jay-Z responded to the allegations, saying,
“Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Via Instagram
Expressing his concern for his family, the rapper shared that his only heartbreak was for his family.
“My only heartbreak is for my family.”
Via Instagram
Without explicitly naming his wife, Beyoncé, he added that he and his wife would have to sit their children down to explain.
“My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”
Via Instagram
Jay-Z concluded his statement with a bold message, stating his eagerness to show how different he is.
“I look forward to showing you just how different I am.”
Via Instagram
Meanwhile, Buzbee responded to The Daily Beast with a brief statement, saying that Jay-Z’s pleading spoke for itself.
“The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”
Via The Daily Beast
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Shaquille O’Neal is estimated to be worth around $500 million, whereas Jay-Z is estimated to have a net worth of a whopping $2.5 billion.
- In October 2022, O’Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.
