Shaquille O'Neal denies dating the woman in the viral photo – and jokingly shares similar pictures with other women

The NBA Hall of Famer poked fun at a viral photo on social media in which fans misidentified him

Shaquille O'Neal is clearing up rumors after social media users accused him of being full of public affection in a viral photo.

O'Neal, 52, is said to be seen in a photo shared on Instagram by a woman named Maria Ozuna Teachey and obtained by TMZ. The image shows Teachey and the mystery man – who has a similar build to the former basketball star – embracing in an unworkable position in front of a mirror.

Teachey's social media followers believed the photo was of O'Neal, and speculation began to circulate online about the former player's relationship status.

When O'Neal learned of the rumor, he clarified the matter on Instagram and denied being the man pictured. “No, not the boy,” he commented on the post shared by Worldstar.

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The 2.16 m tall basketball commentator then published two posts on his Instagram profile in which he made fun of the rumor.

O'Neal put together a series of photos of himself and other women in a similar pose to the viral photo, writing in the caption, “Is this my girlfriend too? Trust me, I'll tell you who my wife is.” “And by the way, my wife name is Shaqirah,” he joked.

In another video, O'Neal showed off his dance moves in a fun bit with media personality Alexa Leighton. “My real girlfriend knows I'm a tall black exotic dancer #thatwasnotme,” O'Neal wrote.

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In recent years, O'Neal has kept his love life pretty secret. In May Insights into the NBA The star’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, published her memoirs Undefeated, in which she wondered if she had ever really loved her ex-husband.

Following the book's release, O'Neal shared a somber message on Instagram, writing, “I get it… I wouldn't have been in love with myself either. I wish you all the best. Love, Shaq,” he wrote on Instagram with the caption, “Trust me, I get it.”

Related: Shaquille O'Neal Says Becoming a DJ Made Him Feel No Longer Lost After His NBA Career (Exclusive)

Henderson told PEOPLE shortly afterward that the quote from her book regarding O'Neal had been taken out of context.

“My book is my truth, and when I was talking to my friend yesterday, I said, 'Developing an opinion and commentary from content without context shows the intelligence and stupidity of a lot of people, doesn't it?' There was no context for that one quote I said, and I think people are unfortunately taking my words out of context.”

“I'm not a words guy. I'm a character guy and since I left Shaquille, my character speaks for itself,” she added.

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