Shaquille O’Neal Slams Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance Critics: 'Shut Your Face'

Shaquille O'Neal has responded to those criticizing Rihanna's Super Bowl performance. 

After several years away, the singer made her highly-anticipated return to the public stage by headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday, February 12.

Not only did Rihanna perform some crowd-pleasing hits, but she also unveiled her growing pregnancy, informing the world that she and her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, are expecting their second child together. Unfortunately, not everyone was thrilled with her performance, and O'Neal is sick of their criticism.

When Rihanna climbed the Super Bowl stage almost two weeks ago, she performed some of her biggest songs, including "Rude Boy," "Diamonds," "B*tch Better Have My Money," and "Work." While they were enough to get people moving, a few observers thought she could have done better with her movements and overall stage presence.

O'Neal, one of the many NBA heavyweights who enjoyed the show live, came to the superstar's defense last Friday. While addressing the drama on that day's episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," he stated:

"All you people disrespecting my Rihanna, shut your face. Shut it up. We living in a world where people got too much freedom. Keep your f**king thoughts to yourself."

The former pro basketballer expressed that the "What's My Name?" singer "did a wonderful job," especially since she did her "thang" and did not fall even though she was pregnant.

"All you superstars that's disrespectful and causing beef, shut your face. Shut it up," O'Neal stated before revealing that if Rihanna were his girlfriend, he would have "gotten at" any high-profile person who bad-mouthed her. 

The 50-year-old finished his rant by asking haters to leave the mother-of-one alone and giving her a round of applause. With this clap back, the seven-foot-tall baller joins rapper Safaree — full name Safaree Lloyd Samuels — in fighting the battle for Rihanna's right to perform as she pleases. 

The Blast recently reported that the "Hot Gyal Birthday" rapper came to the expectant mother's defense last Wednesday when he took to Twitter to slam Howard Stern for his previous remarks.

Safaree had tweeted, "No Rihanna slander will be tolerated by these white outlets… F**K YALL. Howard stern this isn't 1995 no 1 gives a f**k about ya opinion. Go get a nose job wit ya fake a** wanna be afro then go suck yuh mummma."

The statement received an avalanche of support from Rihanna Navy members, with one responding, "I have been waiting for someone from the Caribbean to say something like this fire 🔥 🔥 suck yuh mumma. Leave Rihanna alone !" A second fan asked Safaree to talk his "sh*t," while a third agreed that "them relics" should stay in the '90s where they belonged.

The Blast reported that Stern offended many after he accused Rihanna of lip-syncing 85% of her Sunday night performance on an episode of "The Howard Stern Show." The radio host claimed he noticed the occurrence when she moved the mic away from her mouth and put it around her knees.

Despite his co-host, Robin Quivers' attempt to de-escalate the tirade, the 69-year-old went further to attack the multiple Grammy Awards winner's baby bump, claiming:

"I had a theory, Rihanna was not lip-syncing, but she put the microphone near her vagi*na so the new baby could sing."

In the same vein, the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, came for the Fenty Beauty owner's performance and fashion in a social media rant. Per The Blast, the politician disclosed:

"EPIC FAIL: Rihanna gave, without question, the single worst Halftime Show in Super Bowl history. This after insulting far more than half of our Nation, which is already in serious DECLINE, with her foul and insulting language. Also, so much for her Stylist!"

The "unacceptable" style choice included a red custom Loewe jumpsuit that Rihanna unzipped to her midriff, showcasing the matching bodysuit, shiny breastplate, and baby bump beneath. She accessorized with diamond earrings and red MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon Cross Low sneakers, styling her hair into a high ponytail.

The "Styled to Rock" star added a dramatic custom Alaïa coat to her ensemble to close off her electrifying 13-minute set.