In the recent few months, we’ve seen Shaquille O’Neal and Keion Henderson in close proximity. The dad and bonus dad were beaming with pride when Me’Arah committed to the University of Florida. Both also accompanied her on her senior night. When Shaq claimed to Shaunie’s new husband a few months ago that she was still his wife, observers anticipated a battle of wills between both. However, that’s far from the truth. For the first time, one of them admitted to what their relationship really is like.

Shaunie and Keion Henderson stopped by the TMI podcast to talk about her memoir and his YouTube show. The Shaq subject couldn’t be avoided. Keion set the record straight that he and Shaq are actually cool with each other because of certain unavoidable factors. “Her [Shaunie’s] ex-husband and I get along well because I am not intimidated by his success. I think he is a great humanitarian,” he said on the podcast.

Henderson listed the few instances proving that they do get along and stated the second reason why. “He has to be my friend for the sake of her [Shaunie] because being his adversary makes it too hard for her.” He further pointed out that if he and Shaq had any animosity, it would be a “lose-lose” situation for everyone involved.

Hence, not only have Shaq and Shaunie struck a balance as co-parents and friends, but so have Shaq and Keion. He went on to say they’ve never had a conversation that’s gone sideways. Even though Shaq pulls some ex-husband bravado elsewhere.

Shaquille O’Neal proves Keion Henderson right

Shortly after the newlywed Hendersons celebrated their first wedding anniversary, O’Neal said, “Imma still love her. She’s still my wife, I will always protect, provide, and love for her, married or not.” Regardless, he also wished that Keion treated her the way she deserved and was happy that she was with the pastor.

On May 28, they celebrated their second wedding anniversary amid a lot of scrutiny surrounding Shaunie’s revelations about her marriage with Shaq in her memoir. Contrary to Shaq’s old affirmations, she said she didn’t really love him.

Shaq, though, publicly supported her and her book. Some of this unity was displayed months earlier when Shaq, Shaunie, and Keion accompanied the youngest O’Neal, Meezy on her senior night game. Unlike what some assume, Shaunie’s ex and current husband don’t resort to posturing. Keion’s admiration for Shaq as a dad and humanitarian shows in the few interactions they have. Shaq reciprocates with words of praise. and occasionally referred to Keion as a “gentleman.”

Keion has been in the O’Neal kids’ lives at least since 2019. As he re-asserted here, he and Shaq have been there during the graduations and milestones without a problem and they will keep it that way.