Shaquille O’Neal is hosting Shaq’s Fun House party ahead of the Super Bowl LVIII. This party is Shaq’s Super Bowl tradition dating back to 2018 and has seen some big names over the years. This year also tennis legend Venus Williams has been invited. But why should this be a big deal? Well to understand that we have to go back to 2001 when Shaq was a Lakers player and made outlandish claims about Venus Williams.

The tennis star was quick to deny those claims and shared her disappointment about Diesel’s unsubstantiated comments. Later Shaq apologized for what he had said.

Shaquille O’Neal once issued an apology to Venus Williams for his joke

During an appearance on Los Angeles Power 106-FM in the middle of the 2001 playoffs Shaquille O’Neal claimed that he had slept with Venus Williams and Hollywood stars Cindy Crawford and Aliyah. This took Williams by surprise, and she called him out publicly. Venus Williams stated via ESPN, “I categorically and unequivocally deny that I have ever had a sexual relationship with Shaquille O’Neal. I don’t even know him. I’ve only met Shaquille once a few years ago, when attending an L.A. Lakers game.”

She also added, “If Shaquille made the statement as a joke, it was in very bad taste, and I am definitely offended. I think that he should use better judgment in the future, particularly where one’s reputation is concerned.” This led to the basketball icon clarifying that he was joking, and all apologized.

Shaq said, “Those who know me know I’m a comedian. The guys who were with me in the studio knew that I was laughing, but I guess they didn’t take it as a joke, and I apologize.” However, both O’Neal and Williams seemed to have moved on from that incident. In 2009, Shaq played tennis with Venus’ sister Serena Williams as the two shared laughs and enjoyed their time on the court. It also appears Shaq is on good terms with Venus Williams now.

Recently a sampling of confirmed guests for each party this week was released. Venus Williams, Nick Cannon, and Michael Irvin were expected at Shaq’s Fun House; CeeDee Lamb, David Dobrik, and Cam’ron at Gronk Beach; Jack Harlow, Joe Montana, and Megan Fox at Sports Illustrated The Party; and Portnoy, Gordon Ramsay, and Baker Mayfield at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate.

For those who are unaware, Shaq’s Fun House is a brainchild of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal in association with the production firm Medium Rare. It has been held since 2018 and is held in the same city as the Super Bowl on the Friday before the game. It aims to draw attention to the Super Bowl with performances from hip-hop and EDM artists, free food & drinks, and much more.

READ MORE: Ahead of Super Bowl 2024, Venus Williams Flexes Her Football Skills in Inspiring Initiative From $6 Billion Brand

Venus Williams and O’Neal last met in 2010 at a promotion event in New York

Although O’Neal issued an apology to the tennis star publicly for his comments, there were no reports of their reunion until 2010. Both legends gave an interview together in a promotion for Oreo in New York. O’Neal revealed during the interview that he was ‘having a great time’ hanging out with Williams.

On the other hand, when Venus Williams was asked about what game she liked most to play with Shaquille O’Neal, she picked basketball instead of tennis. They seemed to have been enjoying their company during the interview. What lines up next when they meet next?

Watch This Story: Bonafide Fitness Buff Serena Williams Reveals Major Nostalgia That Keeps Her Pumped Up In The Gym