The racial and wealth divisions alive in the Hamptons do not sit on the sidelines in “Killer Bees,” a documentary produced by four-time NBA champ Shaquille O’Neal. When many people think Hamptons, they also think: Wealth – and a lot of it. The geographic expanse that makes up the Hamptons might be small in comparison to other areas, but the wealth is huge and well-known.

Former Laker’s player saw different side of the Hamptons

The Hamptons is only a “few hours outside New York,” Awards News Daily reported. The area is a place the “rich and famous go to spend their summers.” Shaq discovered an entirely different side, a far less privileged vantage point, than he experienced when he visited the Hamptons “every summer” for roughly 25 years, partied at Leonardo DiCaprio’s, and even when he rented a house in the area, the New York Daily News reported.

NBA champ signed onto the project

His perspective changed, he stated, when he “came across this film” and he saw the Hamptons in an entirely different light – one that included the African-American community. Shaq got on-board with the documentary when a friend, who is also a producer of “Killer Bees,” asked him to team-up on the project. Glenn Furhman presented the idea to Shaq during the initial stages of the documentary. He did not have to ask Shaq more than once.

Producing is not new ground for the former Los Angeles Laker’s player. He is also credited as a producer for “Steel” and for “Kazaam,” the Daily News noted. He took a more direct and active approach with “Killer Bees.” He fully invested himself in the project on a personal level.

Awards Daily described Shaq as “getting into the producer’s chair.”

Documentary shines bright light on other side of ‘white and wealthy’

Affordable housing is “a rare commodity” in the Hamptons, an area that motivates the wealthy residents to doubt the need for public schools, Awards Daily relayed.

The Bridgehampton basketball team has a point to prove. They aim to show the “white and wealthy” that they matter and that they are also important.

The documentary is attributed with being inspirational, an up-close look at “the fighting spirit of these kids who want to be the best and do the best.” Sometimes, it takes a star to shine a light on issues that are overlooked by people who choose to exist in a cocoon, nestled comfortably in self-containment and within proximity to people whose existence most closely resembles their own.

Basketball theme grabbed Shaq’s attention

That basketball was central to the telling of the “Killer Bees” is what grabbed Shaq’s attention.

He stated that the team is “similar to [his] high school basketball team,” Awards Daily reported. The documentary “changed” Shaq. He was not previously aware that the white, wealthy, elite people of the Hamptons want to shut down the school and, as an effect, the basketball team. Additionally, making space for new development squeezes out room for affordable housing.

Film is not about the ‘rich people’s side’ of life

In the twenty-five years that Shaq has been going to the Hamptons, the project showed him a completely different side, not just the “rich people’s side.” The documentary runs 82-minutes. Shaq did not send someone to meet with the Bridgehampton Basketball team players. He wanted to connect with them on a much more personal level.

He went. He met them. He showed the players that he is “a regular person.”

The effect of not taking along his own team or an entourage or bodyguards, according to Shaq, “I think they realized that I was an older version of them.” His hope for the documentary is that it will inspire people. “Killer Bees” is available for purchase on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes and VOD.

As well as producing the documentary, Shaq other venture, "Big Chicken," is making its way to the sea. The "Chief Fun Officer" of Carnival Cruise Line, his business is breaking new ground for the luxury ship company with a restaurant opening onboard the Carnival Radiance.

Princess Cruises, on the other hand, lost one of its American passengers en route to the Caribbean. Almarosa Tenorio, 52, plummeted to her death aboard one of the company's luxury vessels Authorities have not disclosed the cause of her death -- yet. Be sure to follow Blasting News for updates and for the latest information.
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