Shaquille O’Neal and Business Associate Sued for Alleged Non-Payment by Former Production Company Employee

Shaquille O’Neal is looking at a possible legal battle with a former associate. Donnie Wilson, described as a “longtime acquaintance” of the NBA legend in reports, has filed a lawsuit against Shaq and his business, Jersey Legends Productions. The former employee alleges that Jersey Legends has not paid him in full for his services.

Wilson filed the complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court. He has accused O’Neal and Michael Parris, who is the co-founder of Jersey Legends, of violating labor codes and breach of contract. He also claims Jersey Legends violated a “legally binding” verbal agreement. Donnie Wilson served as a community relations director for O’Neal himself from 1996 to 2006. He left to pursue a career as a playwright before Parris sought him out for Jersey Legends in 2019.

The lawsuit claims that Parris wanted to hire Wilson, “due to [his] knowledge of the entertainment industry and playwriting, scriptwriting, television, and screenwriting skills.” He was the head of creative at the production house. He alleged that Parris would elevate Wilson to part-owner in the future based on his longstanding professional relationship with Shaq and his team.

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“So, Plaintiff agreed to work only if he can do so as an official partner with an 18% ownership interest in Jersey Legends. Parris made the verbal agreement with Wilson promising to make Wilson a partner in exchange for his services and knowledge.” The deal was apparently not honored and Wilson was not duly compensated.

What is Shaq’s Jersey Legends Productions?

While Shaq has other entertainment labels, like Mine O Mine, in his portfolio, he founded Jersey Legends Productions in 2020 with Michael Parris. It is behind shows like Shaq (2022), Foster Boy (2019), and HeadNoise (2021).

The University of North Texas graduate Donnie Wilson is credited as an executive producer on HeadNoise and Queen of Basketball. The latter won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short in 2022. He alleged that Shaq knew Parris offered Wilson partial ownership of the studio. He presented O’Neal and Parris with a formal contract that was not signed by either.

Since Authentic Brands Group (of which Shaq is the second-largest stakeholder) bought Jersey Legends, Wilson has allegedly not seen a dime. “Beyond the money owed, it’s the personal aspect that cuts the deepest. Being considered family by Shaquille’s loved ones, particularly Michael Parris’ family, makes this betrayal feel like a sharp slap in the face. I feel deeply disappointed and let down,” Donnie Wilson told the media.

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So far Shaq or Jersey Legends have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. Details continue to pour in.