New York, March 6: NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has set social media ablaze following a viral video showing him sharing a bold kiss with Russian model Ekaterina Lisina. The footage, which began circulating late Thursday, March 5, captures the 7-foot-1 basketball hall-of-famer interacting with the 6-foot-9 model, who is recognised by Guinness World Records as having the longest legs in the world. The unexpected public display of affection has left fans and followers stunned, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity moments of the week.

The interaction occurred during a high-profile media event where both stars were in attendance. Known for his playful and larger-than-life personality, O'Neal appeared to surprise both the crowd and Lisina herself when he leaned in for the kiss. While the two have crossed paths before due to their unique heights and presence in the sports and fashion industries, this particular clip has sparked intense speculation regarding the nature of their relationship or whether the moment was simply a scripted part of the event’s entertainment. Shaq and 'Hawk Tuah Girl' Viral Photo: Shaquille O’Neal and Hailey Welch Pictured Partying at Jon Bon Jovi’s Restaurant in Nashville.

Shaquille O’Neal Kissing Ekaterina Lisina Video

Ekaterina Lisina is no stranger to the spotlight, standing as one of the tallest models globally and holding a professional background as an Olympic bronze medalist in basketball. Given their shared connection to the sport and their rare stature, the pairing immediately drew eyes. In the video, the height difference, usually a major talking point for Lisina, appears almost negligible next to O'Neal’s massive frame.

The "viral kiss" has dominated platforms like X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram, with many NBA fans expressing shock at O'Neal’s forwardness. Some viewers characterised the 53-year-old’s behavior as "overly freaked out" and bold, while others defended it as typical "Shaq" humor. Lionel Messi Escapes Unhurt After Being Knocked Down By Fan During Pitch Invasion Between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle Club Friendly Match (Watch Video).

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The reaction from the basketball community has been polarized. Some fans found the moment endearing, noting that it is rare to see O'Neal next to someone who matches his scale so closely. Others, however, questioned if the move was a publicity stunt intended to promote a new business venture or media project, as O'Neal frequently uses viral marketing to stay at the forefront of digital trends.

"Shaq is living his best life," one viral comment read, while another user noted, "Only Shaq could make a 6-foot-9 woman look like a normal-sized person." Neither O'Neal nor Lisina has issued an official statement confirming a romantic relationship, though Lisina did share a snippet of the encounter on her own social media stories.

Shaq’s History of Viral Antics

Shaquille O'Neal has long been a master of the viral moment. Since retiring from the NBA, he has maintained a massive cultural footprint through DJing, broadcasting on Inside the NBA, and numerous endorsement deals. His dating life and public interactions are frequently scrutinized by the media, particularly when they involve other high-profile figures.

Ekaterina Lisina transitioned from a successful basketball career in Russia to international modeling several years ago. She currently holds the record for the "Tallest Professional Model" and has built a significant following by showcasing the challenges and triumphs of living as a woman of extreme height.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2026 10:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).