wrote one user.
Shaunie O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal celebrate Shareef O'Neal's 18th birthday party. Jan. 13, 2018. | Photo: GettyImages/Global Images of Ukraine
Another added, “Oh Wow!!! I Really love that you two stayed cool with one another!! girl #MuchLove #Maturity #Growth #StillFriends.”
And a third one chimed in to say,
“He’s the father of her children regardless... this is how it is when u realize that just because you all didn’t work out in a relationship, you can still be friends.”
Shaunie and Shaquille got married in 2002, and then O’Neal filed for divorce in 2007, citing the relationship as “irretrievably broken.”
The divorce was finalized in 2009, and although the pair worked hard to co-parent their kids peacefully, Shaunie revealed that the first years after the separation were rough because they didn’t see eye to eye.
Shaquille O'Neal and Shaunie O'Neal at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. | Photo: GettyImages/Global Images of Ukraine
“We’re great now, but it took a long time like we definitely did not have the relationship that we have now the first few years,” the “Basketball Wives” star told Life&Style last year. “I mean, we’re going on eight years of being divorced now, and I’d have to say the good first five [or] six were really rough.”
She continued:
“We could function, but it was rough. Now I think we just got over the hump and I’ve always kind of been [like], 'What’s best for the kids,' and I'll make it happen no matter what. Even if he and I can’t see eye to eye, I didn’t want them ever to be affected by it, and I think he felt the same way. But it was really really hard.”
Shaquille, Shareef and Shaunie O'Neal at the Jordan Brand Future of Flight Showcase on January 25, 2018. | Photo: GettyImages/Global Images of Ukraine
These days, Shaunie and Shaquille have a beautiful friendship, and they can share everything. They’re so comfortable with each other that some of their closest friends have suggested they should get back together.
"People are always like, oh you guys should get back together — no, that’s not happening. We just are cool, and we can function, and we respect each other’s space, and it’s good,” Shaunie clarified.
O’Neal even revealed that she’s constantly teasing Shaquille about his relationships.
The Miami Heat former player dated model Laticia Rolle from 2014 to 2018, but he was spotted holding hands with actress Annie Ilonzeh from “Chicago Fire” earlier this year.
The pair didn't look shy when showing off their chemistry while strutting around New York, but is not clear if they're still dating or Shaq has moved on to another romantic interest.
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