Shaquille O’Neal helping Hawk Tuah girl ‘deal with fame’ after partying together in Nashville: report

Shaquille O’Neal has reportedly offered “Hawk Tuah” girl Haliey Welch some solid advice.

Sources told TMZ Thursday that the NBA legend, 52, got candid with the viral sensation, 21, about “how to deal with fame” while they partied together in Nashville, Tenn., last weekend.

O’Neal allegedly told her to “keep a smart team around because folks will come out of the woodwork to try and take advantage of her.”

Shaquille O’Neal is reportedly helping Hawk Tuah girl Haliey Welch “deal with fame” after partying together in Nashville. DJ Diesel/X Sources told TMZ that O’Neal advised Welch to “keep a smart team around because folks will come out of the woodwork to try and take advantage of her.” GC Images

Welch reportedly opened up to retired NBA star about “some of the hateful comments” she’s received after her viral video, in which she talked about oral sex and coined the phrase “Hawk Tuah.”

However, O’Neal reportedly assured her that she would be alright as long as she “pay[s] the haters no mind because none of them actually know her.”

The unlikely duo chatted for “about an hour” and Welch reportedly now thinks of the “Inside the NBA” host as a “friend and someone who truly cares about her.”

Welch reportedly asked O’Neal for help on how to deal with “some of the hateful comments” she’s been getting. Hailey Welch/Instagram The NBA legend allegedly suggested that Welch “pay the haters no mind because none of them actually know her.” Getty Images

O’Neal solidified their friendship by bringing the young woman into the DJ booth at Jon Bon Jovi’s new restaurant and rooftop bar, JBJ’s Nashville, on Sunday.

Fans shared several videos of the sports analyst playing his set while the influencer stood next to him and danced the night away.

At one point, Welch held onto the microphone and let out her signature “Hawk Tuah” saying while the crowd erupted. Both O’Neal and Welch shared photos from their outing on social media afterwards.

Welch quickly rose to fame when she gave some advice on how to give a good “Hawk Tuah.” Tim & Dee TV/Youtube She has since signed on with an agency, appeared on a podcast and sold merch. Fathead Threads

Welch’s meetup with the athlete took place after she sang onstage with Zach Bryan during his concert in Nashville, where she sang part of his hit song “Revival” and once again shouted “Hawk Tuah!”

The overnight sensation has taken full advantage of her viral moment and has been selling hats and other merch items after signing on with a talent agency.

Reps for O’Neal and Welch didn’t return Page Six’s requests for comment.