Remember when Taahirah O’Neal revealed the secret sauce to her dad’s success? Shaquille O’Neal studied the business dynasties like Hilton Family and made his children learn their methods too. Apparently that admiration goes both ways. The most famous face with the Hilton name, the namesake of the ‘Paris Defense’ herself, Paris Hilton reciprocated Taahirah’s gesture in a sweet way.

Hilton commented on Taahirah’s Instagram, “Aw, this message made my day and so did hearing what you said on the podcast. I was so incredibly touched. I’ve always looked up to your dad as an icon, and to hear this story from you just meant so much. Love you sis… Keep #Sliving!” But what prompted the most popular heiress to say that?

Taahirah dished ‘The Paris Defense’ Shaq taught her on the Do I Know You podcast. Paris initially shared that clip on her Instagram Stories. She added a brief but sweet, “love you @tahiraahoneal.” That surprised Taahirah, who took to her own Instagram to disclose how meaningful it is.

“This morning, I woke up to MASS HYSTERIA because THE @parishilton posted a clip of my interview with @jordierae_ on her TikTok. To say I’m in shock is an understatement. Paris, thank you SO MUCH for your kind words. I’ve admired you as a person, a big sister, an heiress and a mogul for so long and it means the world that you’d take the time to highlight both myself and Jordan’s platforms so selflessly,” the 27-year-old wrote.

She also took a moment to send her love to Hilton’s family. She and her husband, Carter Reum, welcomed their son, Phoenix, and daughter, London, in 2023. “I pray God continues to bless you, Carter and baby Phoenix. See you around bestie! #sliving,” Taahirah wrote. But what is Hilton’s connection to Taahirah’s dad?

Paris Hilton, Shaq’s Business Muse

When The Simple Life premiered in 2003, Shaquille O’Neal was in his prime. But he was also completing his degrees and expanding his off-court businesses. He also made sure his children were just as prepared.

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Landed in Hospital Due to Her ‘Worst Enemy’: “Give Her Some Oxygen”

“The Shaq brand, the Shaquille O’Neal brand, like he does, like I do. There’s no one who cares like he does, like I do, like my brothers and sisters do. We have a different level of, like, investment and so I’d argue with anyone. Who better? He’s had to study families like the Hiltons…He calls it the Paris defense,” Taahirah revealed on the Do I Know You podcast. “He’s had me study Paris Hilton from top to the bottom…He told me this is what I want.”

There’s plenty of evidence to show that Shaq implemented the Hilton Family’s success efficiently. Keep a keen eye on his business-savvy daughter to see how she keeps up the Paris Defense.

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