Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal is under fire for mocking a disabled fan’s selfie.
The retired athlete posted a picture on Instagram of his own contorted face next to Jahmel Binion’s selfie.
FOX 2 reports the post, captioned “Smile today,” earned more than 14,000 likes, with former University of Michigan athlete Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka Flame joining in on the teasing.
The post has been deleted. But for Binion, the damage has been done.
With missing teeth and abnormal hair growth caused by the rare disorder ectodermal dysplasia, the Michigan man is used to getting bullied — but Shaq’s mockery was too much to bear.
He considered Shaq his basketball idol and respected the former high-profile athlete’s charitable works and advocacy for disadvantaged children in America.
“I’ve been getting teased since I was yay (sic) tall. People laugh at me, stare at me,” Binion said. “I was kind of hurt because I’ve always looked up to him. I’ve watched Shaq play basketball since I was (inaudible), so I was like, why are you making fun of me? He is supposed to be this role model.”
Despite the abuse, Binion has a positive outlook. He said the cruel taunts have inspired him to start an anti-bullying campaign called Hug Don’t Judge.
“I can’t let it get to me, because then I get hurt and depressed,” he said.
O’Neal did not respond to Fox’s request for comment.
This article originally appeared on news.com.au.