Shaquille O’Neal sued by longtime associate for alleged broken financial promises
A man described as a “longtime acquaintance” of Shaquille O’Neal has sued the former NBA superstar and his production company Jersey Legends Productions alleging that he got stiffed out of promised payments.
The complaint was filed by Donnie Wilson in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing ONeal, his Jersey Legends Productions co-founder Michael Parris, as well as the company of itself of breach of contract and “numerous” labor code violations over an allegedly violated verbal agreement said to have been “legally binding.”
Wilson’s attorney Ron Zambrano of West Coast Employment Lawyers came out firing in a statement, referencing how O’Neal was accused of ducking getting served in the infamous FTX class-action suit for months.
Shaquille ONeal certainly can come across as everyones best friend, just a big jovial guy apparently until he owes you money. He hid from attorneys for months trying to serve him in a class-action lawsuit over the bankrupt FTX crypto exchange and his endorsements of the company and now hes basically doing the same with Mr. Wilson, hiding from his financial obligations, Zambrano said. Its just shameful behavior by a celebrity of his status.
Shaquille O’Neal and his business partner are getting sued for allegedly stiffing an executive at their production company out of promised payments. Getty ImagesThe press release announcing the lawsuit said that Wilson served as O’Neal’s Community Relations Director from 1996-2006, leaving the role to write plays, eventually meeting Parris.
The lawsuit claims that Parris recruited Wilson to work for the production company in 2019 due to his knowledge of the entertainment industry and playwriting, scriptwriting, television, and screen writing skills.
Wilson became the company’s head of creative.
Wilson, based on his previous 10-year experience with Parris, was wary of whether Parris would actually deliver on his promises . . . based on past behavior, but took another leap of faith due to the close relationship and the promise to elevate Plaintiff as part owner in the hope Parris would operate honestly, the suit claims.
The Jersey Legend Productions film “Queen of Basketball” won an Academy award. NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSo, Plaintiff agreed to work only if he can do so as an official partner with an 18% ownership interest in Jersey Legends. Parris made the verbal agreement with Wilson promising to make Wilson a partner in exchange for his services and knowledge.
The suit alleges Wilson contributed to Queen of Basketball, which won an Academy award, as well as the animated short film narrated by O’Neal that was called HeadNoise.”
Wilson, who received executive producer credits for “Queen of Basketball,” claims that he was never compensated for his work at Jersey Legends.
During the production of these works, Wilson worked with O’Neal. Parris told Wilson that O’Neal knew Plaintiff was neither getting paid and was still not getting any formal recognition of his status as part-owner of Jersey Legends, the lawsuit read. Per Parris, O’Neal knew Wilson was going to be made part owner and would be taken care of in the end.
Wilson claims to have presented a contract to Jersey Legends in 2022 but noted that it was never signed by O’Neal and Parris even as he continued to contribute work for the company.
Jersey Legends was sold to Authentic Brands Group last year, but Wilson has not been paid “a dime,” according to the release.
This whole ordeal has left me reeling. Its been a breach of trust that has shattered my faith in fairness, Wilson said in a statement. Beyond the money owed, it’s the personal aspect that cuts the deepest. Being considered family by Shaquilles loved ones, particularly Michael Parris family, makes this betrayal feel like a sharp slap in the face. I feel deeply disappointed and let down.
A rep for O’Neal could not immediately be reached for comment by The Post.
How many decks are used in poker?
In most popular poker variants, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha, a standard deck of 52 playing cards is used. Each deck contains four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) and consists of 13 ranks (Ace, 2 through 10, and the face cards: Jack, Queen, and King).
What is the bonus code for WPT Global Poker 2023?
The best bonus code for WPT Global is WPT777. By entering the bonus code, players will get a welcome bonus 100% up to $1,200 on the first deposit. The minimum deposit is $20.
What is the best WPT Global bonus code?
Use the WPT Global bonus code WPT777 when registering to get a 100% deposit bonus up to $1200 plus a $100 No Deposit poker bonus.
