Shaunie Henderson is clarifying misconceptions surrounding a viral quote from her book where she reflects on her feelings for her ex-husband, Shaquille O’Neal.
In her memoir, UNDEFEATED: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms, released by Gallery Books, Henderson muses, “Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man,” whom she married in 2002.
The day after the book’s release, Shaquille responded with a poignant Instagram post: “I understand… I wouldn’t have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best. All love, Shaq,” accompanied by the caption, “Trust me I get it.”
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Henderson addressed the reaction to this excerpt, suggesting it was taken out of context. “My book is my truth, and the quote in question was singled out without context,” she explains. “It’s unfortunate how people can misinterpret words when they don’t see the full picture.”
Shaunie emphasizes her character over her words, stating, “Since leaving my marriage to Shaquille, my actions have spoken volumes about who I am.”
Discussing Shaquille’s public reaction, Henderson notes that she can’t explain why he highlighted that particular excerpt but maintains, “It’s my book, my truth, and my legacy.”
Reflecting on discussions with a friend who shared a similar experience of realizing what being in love truly feels like only later in life, Henderson relates this to her own journey. “When you love somebody, you love them. But being in love is entirely different. I only understood this when I met my current husband, Keion Henderson, and experienced a deeper connection,” she shares.
In response to the situation, Henderson turns to prayer for solace and guidance, a practice that helps her stay centered during tumultuous times.
Henderson also points out that misinterpretation is common, stating, “People often see what they want to see and ignore the rest. Context is crucial.”
Shaunie and Shaquille share four children — Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah — and have navigated various public perceptions throughout their relationship, which began in the late 1990s and ended with their separation in 2009. This was further complicated by Shaquille’s admission of infidelity in his own memoir, Shaq Uncut: My Story.
Before the release of her memoir, Henderson expressed nervousness about writing on such personal matters, especially given Shaquille’s prominence, but felt it was essential to share her side of the story to clear up any misconceptions.
