What Shaquille O’Neal told Hawk Tuah girl Haliey Welch during pair’s viral link-up in Nashville

Shaquille O’Neal and ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl Haliey Welch had one of the most unlikely link-ups you’ll ever see in Nashville on Sunday.

Welch, who has gone viral over the past fortnight for graphically describing her sexual exploits in a now-famous interview, came out of hiding over the weekend after appearing on stage at a Zach Bryan country music concert.

One day later the internet sensation was seen alongside NBA legend O’Neal, who was in town to carry out a DJ gig at Jon Bon Jovi’s new rooftop bar in the Tennessee city.

According to TMZ, Shaq told his team to get in contact with her after seeing her up on stage with Bryan and setting his sights on her appearing at his gig.

As well as bringing her up to the DJ booth, he also enjoyed an hour-long conversation with Welch, in which he offered her some priceless advice on fame.

Shaquille O’Neal (right) and ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl Haliey Welch (center) had one of the most unlikely link-ups you’ll ever see in Nashville on Sunday

NBA legend Shaq is said to have given Welch some priceless advice on dealing with fame

The 52-year-old gave a bunch of tips on how to navigate her newfound celebrity status, urging her to recruit a smart team and be wary of people trying to take advantage of her.

Hailey is also believed to have shown him some of the hateful comments she has been receiving on the back of the ‘Hawk Tuah’ video, with Shaq insisting she should pay no attention to them as they don’t actually know her.

The report adds that she now considers him ‘a friend and someone who truly cares about her’ after their lengthy chat in Nashville.

O’Neal can be seen staring into Welch’s eyes in a hilarious photo they got together, while he also posed alongside her and a friend in a second snap.

 

Welch, who has cashed in on her infamy with a trademark for ‘Hawk Tuah’ hats, t-shirts and more, broke her silence this week after her viral video rocketed to fame.

Speaking to Brianna Lapaglia on the Plan Bri Uncut podcast Monday, the 21-year-old said fans had even offered up to $600 to spit in a jar for them.

She has become an internet sensation for graphically describing her sexual exploits in a now-famous interview

Hawk Tuah girl joins country singer Zach Bryan on stage

But Welch – whose unusual spelling of her Christian name has been confirmed by DailyMail.com – added she was hesitant to be ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl forever.

She also revealed she has now quit her factory job and hired management after the clip of her explaining how to ‘make a man go crazy in bed’ during a Nashville street video racked up more than three million views on YouTube after airing last month.

When asked what her parents think of the comment, Welch replied: ‘They think it’s so funny… they never know what’s gonna come out of my mouth.’