People are shocked and dismayed by a recent post by Shaquille O'Neal on his Instagram account, wherein he mocks a selfie of Madison Heights, Michigan man Jahmel Binion. Everyone online is calling Shaq a bully, whose Instagram post shows him imitating Binion's photo. Then other celebrities joined in including rapper Waka Flocka Flame and former University of Michigan athlete Trey Burke. You can watch a video of Binion below.
Fox 2 caught up with Binion, who has a rare disorder called ectodermal dyplasia. The disorder prevents normal hair growth as well as affecting his teeth and his sweat glands. He has been teased all his life, but never expected to be singled out by a celebrity (via New York Post):
"I've been getting teased since I was yay (sic) tall. People laugh at me, stare at me...I was kind of hurt because I've always looked up to him. I've watched Shaq play basketball since I was (inaudible), so I was like, why are you making fun of me? He is supposed to be this role model."
Other public figures have gotten in on the so-called fun, including rapper Waka Flocka Flame and former University of Michigan basketball star Trey Burke.
Shaq and others abusive behavior has inspired Binion to start an anti-bullying campaign called Hug Don't Judge.
Meanwhile, Shaq tweeted on Tuesday that he apologized and is acting like everything is hunky dory (via ABC News):
"Made a new friend today when I called and apologized to Jahmel Binion. Great dude."
Shaq added on Wednesday: "Had the opportunity to talk to Jahmel Binion yesterday and apologize (SIC) about the post on IG!"
What do you think? Is Shaq backpedaling or does he really feel sorry for his comments? Will the result of this offensive outburst include a genuine change of heart from these celebrities?
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