Shaquille O'Neal Says Kevin Hart 'Will Not Call Me Back' After Desi Banks Says Shaq Changed The Actor's Life
Shaquille O'Neal is speaking out about the current standing of his friendship with Kevin Hart.
The 4x NBA champion hosted comedian Desi Banks on his 'The Big Podcast' where he revealed that he seldom hears from Hart.
During their conversation, Banks, 31, credited the former Los Angeles Laker with helping the entertainer's career taking off.
"I've seen you change Kevin Hart's life," the comedian said. O'Neal, 52, promptly replied, "Say that again. [He] will not call me back."
Back in 2009, O'Neal produced the 'All-Star Comedy Jam,' which Hart was featured on. It was reportedly one of the foundational building blocks of Hart's career, as it launched his laughter-inducing comedy into the homes of many who had not heard of him before.
While many believe the statement to have been said lightly, poking fun at a still-strong friendship, many across the internet have noticed a pattern. Other celebrities have mentioned publicly in the past that they have found difficulty keeping in touch with the 'Ride Along' actor.
In recognition of this purported pattern, one fan wrote online, "Everyone can't be lying...Sounds like, and yeah, I said sounds like because I don't know... but sounds like fame really changed Kevin. And if so that's very unfortunate. Because these are truly genuine appearing people saying this about him. Hope it's all a misunderstanding on all sides."
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In 2013, Hart, 45, told 'The Philadelphia Inquirer' that "Shaq is one of my closest friends. I've known the big fella for quite some time."
He said how their "relationship took a turn for the worse not too long back because Shaq has a habit of picking me up in front of my kids and I don't like it."
