V Exclusive: Shaunie O'Neal Releases Statement on 'Basketball Wives' Controversy
As the executive producer of the controversial reality show Basketball Wives, Shaunie O'Neal released an exclusive statement
on some of the unladylike behavior that has consumed recent episodes.
Since the drama on the popular VH1 show has reached new levels (Jennifer Williams is suing Nia Crooks, Evelyn Lozada's assistant, for assault), the BBW head expressed her personal thoughts on the matter.
"I'm extremely happy that Basketball Wives continues to have another successful fourth season. As the ratings have been through the roof since our season opener, fans continue to tune into the lives of Evelyn, Tami, Jennifer, Royce, Suzie and myself. As there is always controversy and indifference projected on the show, because we are all individual personalities, I always hope that people will find that as much as you may agree or disagree with the opinions, the behavior, [and] even our different taste in shoes, you are taking a look inside the lives of four complete different women. I will never say I agree with some of the behavior between my girlfriends on the show, but if we were to edit certain things out the show would be scripted and not reality.
As a woman of color with kids, I am very aware of myself, but I also have to be aware that my choices cannot be the same for everyone on the show and I have to respect that. I hope the fans feel they see a balance and know we have always been real with our stories, even though it may not always be a positive portrayal of adult women but real women nonetheless. I look forward to developing other media platforms in the future and hope that fans will continue to support."
Unlike some of her friends and cast mates, she chooses not to eclipse her good character by becoming physically violent. O'Neal wants to maintain her role as an example to young women, especially as she is a mother and businesswoman. She continuously gives back to the community and was, most recently, spotted lending a hand at the Los Angeles Mission for their annual Easter day fesitivities.
