Shaunie Henderson is reflecting on his nine-year marriage to Shaquille O’Neal and sharing a shocking feeling.
RELATED: Shaunie Henderson says “trust” let her know that Pastor Keion was the one
Shaunie Henderson Gets Real About Her Previous Marriage to Shaquille O’Neal
According to EssenceHenderson released his latest novel, ‘Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms’, on Tuesday, May 7. In the book, Henderson reportedly talks about her past relationship with Neal.
“Looking back, I don’t know if I was ever truly in love with that man, but I was in love with the idea of marrying the man I had a family with,” she wrote.
Henderson explained that she was “in love with the idea” of her and O’Neal “building a life together.”
“I really enjoyed spending time with him,” she added. ”
Road trips (NBA) allowed me to be with my husband and experience the NBA life for a while.
However, in the midst of “NBA life,” Henderson admitted that things were a little rocky for O’Neal.
“He was trying to be a world-famous, thirty-something multimillionaire, with thousands of women throwing themselves at him and people in general begging just to be in his presence, while being a husband and father at the same time,” she reportedly wrote. “How could anyone know how to do that?”
Reactions on social media
Social media users shared mixed reactions to Henderson’s revelation in Shade Room Comments Section.
Instagram user @bfg_funny wrote, “So just a few kids with a man you didn’t love…that’s crazy.”
While Instagram user @1chefnina added, “So maybe she’s saying this because she’s finally experiencing how to be loved properly!! 🤷🏽♀️”
Instagram user @connie.monster wrote, “She’s saying that now that she’s remarried, she’s found a different version of herself and a different outlook on love. What she thought was love for Shaq is not the same as what she is experiencing now…”
While Instagram user @yvettecrocker_artist added, “That says more about her than about him.
Instagram user @yourstruly_rozzaay wrote: “The lack of understanding is surprising…she is questioning whether what she had was what would be interpreted as being ‘in love’. She never said that she didn’t love the man…”
While Instagram user @s.estrada21 added, “It seems like she loved the idea of being an NBA player’s wife, the lifestyle and the money.”
Instagram user @riasu.rn wrote, “…you had 5-6 children with him?!?!”
While Instagram user @tasiamone_ added, “Loving someone and being IN LOVE with someone are two different things.”
Instagram user @amiar_mon_amour wrote, “I don’t understand all the criticism against her?…Unless you’re married, you shouldn’t judge…”
While Instagram user @comedybyturae added, “Ion take this part. He had the relationship. He had the children. I did the divorce thing. He passed on to a fruitful life. Children, fine. Good money. Why spin the block…NOW.? 🤔”
Blueface’s mother, Karlissa Saffold Harveyhe wrote, “Girl, you left your first husband for an idea 💡 stop it. I’m glad Shaq enjoyed life and didn’t take you seriously either. Coming out and saying that now with all those damn boys, Ludacris.”
O’Neal has not yet reacted to his ex-wife’s comments at this time.
The businesswoman previously seemed closed to talking about Shaquille O’Neal
According to EssenceHenderson and O’Neal married in 2002. Henderson filed for divorce from O’Neal in 2007. However, the outlet reports that the pair briefly tried to resolve their issues.
Despite their efforts, the couple’s divorce was finalized in 2011. At that time Page six reports that Henderson and O’Neal shared four children in addition to the children O’Neal had from previous relationships.
Essence adds that O’Neal’s ex-wife would marry pastor Keion Henderson in May 2022. As The Shadow Room Previously reported, in November of that year, Shaunie Henderson revealed how O’Neal got a “complimentary” invite to her wedding.
“My daughter was 16 years old. She turned 16 in May, right before the wedding, so we were at the birthday party together and he said, ‘Well, am I invited to the wedding?’ And I said, ‘Of course you are.’ And I’m rolling my eyes like, ‘I mean, you are, but do you really need to come?’”
However, around the same time, Henderson also explained why she was “tired” of talking about him.
RELATED: Shaunie Henderson shares how ex-husband Shaq got a ‘complimentary’ wedding invite even though she’s ‘tired’ of talking about him