Speculation is mounting on whether Shaunie O'Neal will be leaving Basketball Wives after this season. The ex-wife of Shaquille O'Neal, who is the executive producer of the VH1's reality series, sat down with her pastor in the season finale of "Basketball Wives' and wondered about the future of her show.


On May 15, it was confirmed that "Basketball Wives" will continue and that the show has been renewed for a fifth season despite cries to boycott the program with a petition which received over 25,000 signatures.


Shed Media, who produces the show along with VH1, said in a statement: "Shed Media US is fully committed to telling the compelling stories of the Basketball Wives in a balanced way. Our producing partner Shaunie O'Neal feels strongly about this, and we fully agree with this stance,"

Shaunie talked about the criticism that the show's been receiving, saying: "At this point, I can no longer defend it."

Shaunie's pastor told her that she might have to make a tough decision when it comes to the future of the show.

The show has been heavily criticized for promoting bullying after cast member Tami Roman was filmed verbally assaulting Kesha Nichols.

In episode 13 of the show, Nichols endured extreme verbal abuse by fellow cast-member Roman who was drunk when she verbally harassed her. Roman, 41, was filmed screaming and swearing at Nichols despite Nichols insisting that she did not want to fight.
The incident happened during a group trip to Tahiti, which prompted the professional dancer to leave and return to the States after being on the island for just two days. Nichols appeared very shaken after Roman's confrontation about allegedly talking behind her back to other cast members.

A two-part reunion special air next month. The first half will air on June 4 at 8 p.m. and the second on June 11 at 8 p.m.

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