William Shatner Claims George Takei’s “Obsession With My “Shiny Ego” Gets Him Attention”

Star Trek legend William Shatner opened up about why he believes fellow Star Trek: TOS alum George Takei still speaks openly about him in a hostile and/or demeaning manner.

Shatner discussed his relationship with Takei on Twitter while interacting with a number of fans who wished Shatner would sign autographs when asked to in public. Shatner explained he doesn’t do public autographs because a line would quickly form. He added there is a time and place for the autographs pointing to conventions.

When one fan decided to criticize Shatner for his stance on autograph signings, he would respond in typical Shatner fashion.

The conversation would eventually lead to one fan asking why George Takei constantly takes cheap shots at Shatner. Shatner would respond, “Think of it as a convention story. It’s George’s schtick- his obsession with my “shiny ego” gets him attention.He follows me here; I don’t mind. If I really did something to anger him I’m sure he’d hold a Press Conference to announce he blocked me. 😝”

Takei recently commented about William Shatner during an appearance on the Howard Stern Show. The two discussed Leonard Nimoy and the origin of the Vulcan “V” greeting, but would eventually discuss Nimoy’s funeral and Shatner’s absence. According to the Howard Stern Show’s write up on the appearance, “George told Howard on Monday he’d still attend Shatner’s funeral when he passes in order to pay his respects.” (Related: William Shatner on R-Rated Quentin Tarantino Star Trek: “You Have To Harness The Energy Of Gene Roddenberry Revolving In His Grave”)

Rumors and speculation of Shatner and Takei feuding have been circulating for years. Takei would talk to the New York Times Magazine back in 2015 about the alleged feud saying, “It’s not tension, it’s all coming from Bill. Whenever he needs a little publicity for a project, he pumps up the so-called controversy between us.”

The New York Times would question Takei about the feud noting Takei stated in his 1994 autobiography that Shatner pretended to not know him on set. Takei would respond, “It’s difficult working with someone who is not a team player. The rest of the cast all understand what makes a scene work — it’s everybody contributing to it. But Bill is a wonderful actor, and he knows it, and he likes to have the camera on him all the time.” When asked if he could forgive Shatner, Takei stated, “I don’t need to forgive him. I’ve already invited him to the opening night of “Allegiance.” (Related: Star Trek Alum George Takei Describes Donald Trump’s Fast-Food Spread as a “National Trauma”)

Shatner, for his part, discussed the alleged feud in an interview with Newsweek in 2016. He specifically addressed the claims in Takei’s autobiography stating, ” I had never really got to know him. He would come in every so often during the week while we were shooting Star Trek. I was busy learning lines and dealing with my life, so I really can’t remember a meaningful conversation—I’m sure that would be my fault… my lack of attention.”

Shatner would add, “Nevertheless, when we all wrapped that last day of shooting it was all meaningful for all of us—Star Trek was cancelled. Until this moment in his apartment we had not spoken. Not so long after that very friendly time he began to say very mean things about me. Why?” (Related: Star Trek Star George Takei Accused of Sexual Misconduct!)

The two have jabbed each other over the years. William Shatner joked last year at the Hanover Theatre that if he could be any another crew member in the original series it would have been Sulu. Shatner stated, “Sulu. So I wouldn’t have to deal with George Takei. (pause) That’s it.”

What do you make of this feud, is it real? Do you think both men are just having fun with the media and fans? Let me know your thoughts!