Shaquille O’Neal says he has never viewed himself as a celebrity despite becoming one of the most recognizable figures in basketball.

Speaking with Page Six, the Hall of Famer said he prefers to think of himself as an ordinary person and doesn’t want to be grouped with celebrities.

“Excuse my French, celebrities are a–holes,” O’Neal said, adding that he finds them “weird, rude and obnoxious.”

Since retiring from the NBA in 2011, O’Neal has remained in the spotlight through broadcasting, business ventures and entertainment projects, but insists he has never embraced celebrity status.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals why he thinks ‘celebrities are a–holes’ https://t.co/YmfcBKrwzO pic.twitter.com/WTArXsL53b