Shaquille O’Neal offered Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce a sarcastic thank-you after discovering that Charles Barkley received an invitation to their wedding while he did not.
The NBA legend was speaking with People at Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 17 when he was asked whether he had been invited to the couple’s July 3 ceremony.
“No. Thanks, Taylor. Thanks, Travis,” O’Neal replied, maintaining a deadpan expression as he looked toward the camera.
Shaq Deadpanned His Response at Fanatics Fest
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O’Neal delivered the comment at the Javits Center during the three-day sports and entertainment convention. He and Barkley have been friends and on-air rivals for years, so it was pretty funny when Barkley confirmed that he was actually on the guest list. Still, when asked what message he wanted to send the couple, he answered, “May it last forever.”
Swift and Kelce, both 36, married at Madison Square Garden before approximately 1,000 guests. Swift’s representative confirmed the July 3 ceremony to People. The couple wore custom Christian Dior Haute Couture looks designed by Jonathan Anderson. Swift’s brother Austin served as her man of honor, Jason Kelce was his brother’s best man and Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony.
Charles Barkley Received an Invitation but Turned It Down
Barkley revealed on the Unfiltered With Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo podcast that he had “politely declined” his invitation. The former NBA star said he generally avoids both weddings and funerals and expected the massive celebrity gathering to become a “crap show.”
“I love Travis and Jason, and I’ve only met Taylor one time,” Barkley said, according to People. “I just want to hang out and play golf, and I don’t want to dress up and all that other stuff.” Barkley still described receiving the invitation as “pretty special.”
Shaq Has Spoken Candidly About His Own Marriage
O’Neal married Shaunie Nelson in 2002, and the former couple finalized their divorce in 2011. They share four children, while O’Neal also helped raise Shaunie’s son Myles from a previous relationship.
During a 2022 appearance on The Pivot Podcast, O’Neal accepted responsibility for the marriage ending. He said Shaunie had supported their home, children and business responsibilities while his own repeated mistakes damaged the relationship. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do,” he said. “It was just all me.”