'BBWLA' Shaunie O'Neal Reveals Brandi Maxiell's Season 5 Job Status; Fired or Hired?

For the next two weeks, VH1.com will take a trip down memory lane to relive some of their shows' biggest moments that have happened this past year. On Tuesday (Dec. 15), the network sat down with Basketball Wives: LA creator Shaunie O'Neal to discuss the drama that went down with cast member Brandi Maxiell, revealing her season five job status. Find out if Maxiell is fired or hired!

Before the tumultuous season four finale, the ladies of BBWLA set off to Puerto Rico to soak up some sun and relieve lingering tension. Whenever reality stars take trips together, they typically end in disaster. The 32-year-old wife of power forward Jason Maxiell, accused O'Neal of talking down to this specific cast.

After being reminded of who got her the position on the show in the first place, Maxiell called the 41-year-old prouducer of the show a "b****." Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. O'Neal then delivered her iconic response, "thank you for your services." Although viewers thought that was her way of giving Maxiell the axe, O'Neal explained what she really meant by the comment.

"When I said, 'Thank you for your services,' I really wanted her to know that she was appreciated on the show," O'Neal told VH1.com. "I wanted her to know, I appreciate you being here, being a cast member, sharing your story, and your life, hence thank you for your services. At the same time, you can walk away."

Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife admitted the derogatory outburst from Maxiell caught her by surprise, because she never addressed any problems with her prior to the confrontation. She also states the decision to walk away from the show would ultimately be in Maxiell's court if she truly felt like she was working in an uncomfortable environment.

After season four wrapped and the ladies prepared for the reunion, Maxiell reportedly contacted O'Neal multiple times to show her appreciation for her and gain reassurance that she still had a job. Maxiell apparently thought O'Neal might surprise her and the rest of the cast members by announcing she was fired.

"When we left the reunion, in my mind, Brandi was going to be a returning of next season and I hope she will be," O'Neal told VH1.com. "Now, how much of next season she will be involved is another question. I have not talked to her and probably will not until we get ready to get film."

Overall, O'Neal understands Maxiell is entitled to her opinion. Setting the record straight, O'Neal confirms they are not friends. Her relationship with Maxiell is strictly on a business basis, with cordial interactions.