Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has been?criticized?by fans?after posting a photo on his Instagram account mocking Michigan-native Jahmel Binion.
Shaq was not the only person to cyber-bully Binion. Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka Flame also joined in the bullying according to The Root.
23-year-old Binion has ectodermal dysplasias, a rare condition which includes?reduced ability to sweat, missing teeth and fine, sparse hair, according to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias. At least?one in 5,000-10,000 babies are born with the condition.
Binion said being teased and bullied isn’t new to him.
“I’ve been getting teased since I was yay tall,”?he said to FOX 2 News. “People laugh at me, stare at me.”
O’Neal must have felt some shame since he has deleted the offensive photo from his account. However, fans have continued to be very active in expressing their anger, hurt, and feelings of betrayal.
I normally could care less what celebs do but #ShaquilleOneal behaved awfully. As a disabled person, I find it horrid he'd mock a fan.
— Brandon Tate (@SirBrandonTate) May 1, 2014
#Shaquilleoneal Prejudice hurts people. Lucky you. U don't face disability. I DO. It's hard and I get teased a lot.
@TurnerSportsEJ
— Scottie O'Brien (@ScottieStats) April 30, 2014
I don't remember when Superman teased the disabled @SHAQ #shaquilleoneal #bully #madprops #sarcasm
— Reuben Gabriel (@ReubenGabriel) April 28, 2014
The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias?wrote an open letter to O’Neal on its website to address the cyberbullying. They?stated the community was “terribly disappointed by the hurtful image.”
The foundation also said the incident is an opportunity for O’Neal to create positive change regarding the condition and those it affects.
Binion could have decided to react in a hostile manner but instead he started?the?HUG DON’T JUDGE Facebook page?to encourage positivity and shine a light on cyberbullying. The group has been growing by leaps and bounds and is providing a space for those affected by ectodermal dysplasias to share their stories, photos, and experiences with the condition.
On Tuesday both?Shaquille O?Neal and current NBA player and former Michigan basketball star Trey Burke called?Jahmel Binion’s cell phone to offer apologies and sent out tweets.
Had the opportunity to talk to Jahmel Binion yesterday and apologize about the post on IG! #Intentionswerenttohurt #MyApologiesfam
— Trey Burke (@Trey_Burke3) April 30, 2014
Made a new friend today when I called and apologized to Jahmel Binion. Great dude.#alwayslearning #MYBADCUZ
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) April 30, 2014
Binion had this to say about it to the?Detroit Free Press:
“I accepted the apologies,? Binion said ?But I think they should do something more public. … I’m not alone.”
Perhaps the men could make a donation to the?National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias?or support the HUG DON’T JUDGE movement. Either way, tweeting an apology doesn’t seem like enough.
Watch the video:
edited by tw
