"Shut it up" - Shaq shuts down trolls disrespecting Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime performance

Shaquille O'Neal didn't entertain any ill words against Rihanna for her Super Bowl halftime performance. The singer returned to the stage seven years later and even announced her second pregnancy. Shaq seemed impressed with Rihanna, who stunned most fans with her powerful performance.

Shaq addressed the trolls while on the Big Podcast with Shaq, which also features Candace Parker and Nischelle Turner. Shaq was intense in his approach, asking people who disrespected the 34-year-old pop icon to "shut the f*** up".

"All you people disrespecting Rihanna, shut your face," O'Neal said. "All you people disrespecting Rihanna, shut your face".

Shaq even mentioned Rihanna's pregnancy, and how people should stop speaking against her:

"She did a wonderful job. She's pregnant. She blessed it. She didn't fall. Just leave it there. All you superstars that's disrespecting and causing beef ... shut it up."

Adding on, the four-time NBA Champion mentioned that if Rihanna was his woman, he would certainly snap back.

"If she was my woman and I seen one of you superstars do that. I'm gonna have to get at you. Rappers. Presidential candidates. I'm gonna have to get at you. Leave her alone."

Of course, Rihanna's performance was iconic in more ways than one. Not only did she perform after a long gap, but also celebrated her heritage.

Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

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Why did Rihanna accept the NFL's offer to perform at the Super Bowl?

Back in 2018, Rihanna wasn't ready to perform with the Super Bowl. The singer did so in support of Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting against police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.

Rihanna didn't want to be a sell-out and decided to reject the NFL's offer.

However, considering her young children and the recent performances by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, Rihanna decided to go ahead and perform at the event. After all, the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most talked about stages of the year.

“Of course, raising a young black man is one of the scariest responsibilities in life," Rihanna told Vogue. "You’re like, ‘What am I leaving my kids to? This is the planet they’re gonna be living on?’ All of those things really start to hit differently."

Motivated, Rihanna ended up re-evaluating her decision. Especially as the NFL world has seen some significant changes over the years.