Shaquille O’Neal helping ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl ‘deal with fame’ after partying together in Nashville
Shaquille O’Neal is helping “Hawk Tuah” girl Haliey Welch learn how to navigate her newfound fame, Page Six can confirm.
Sources told TMZ Thursday that the NBA legend, 52, got candid with the viral sensation, 21, about “how to deal with fame” while they partied together in Nashville, Tenn., earlier this week.
O’Neal allegedly told her to “keep a smart team around because folks will come out of the woodwork to try and take advantage of her.”
Welch opened up to the retired NBA star about “some of the hateful comments” she’s received after her viral video, in which she talked about oral sex and coined the phrase “Hawk Tuah.”
However, O’Neal assured her that she would be alright as long as she “pay[s] the haters no mind because none of them actually know her.”
Welch’s rep tells Page Six Thursday, “He was extremely gracious, personable, and caring realizing Hailey was dealing with a lot of unnecessary hate.
“She didn’t ask to be famous. Shaq is definitely part of the ‘Protecting the Hawk from the Vultures’ squad.”
Per TMZ, the unlikely duo chatted for “about an hour” at Sunday night’s event and Welch now thinks of the “Inside the NBA” host as a “friend and someone who truly cares about her.”
O’Neal solidified their friendship by bringing the young woman into the DJ booth at Jon Bon Jovi’s new restaurant and rooftop bar, JBJ’s Nashville.
Fans shared several videos of the sports analyst playing his set while the influencer stood next to him and danced the night away.
At one point, Welch held onto the microphone and let out her signature “Hawk Tuah” saying while the crowd erupted. Both O’Neal and Welch shared photos from their outing on social media afterwards.
Welch’s meetup with the athlete took place after she went onstage with Zach Bryan during his concert in Nashville, where she sang part of his hit song “Revival” and once again shouted “Hawk Tuah!”
The overnight sensation has taken full advantage of her viral moment and has been selling hats and other merch items after signing on with a talent agency.
Reps for O’Neal and Welch didn’t return Page Six’s requests for comment.
