During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” This track is widely interpreted as a diss toward rapper Drake, with whom Williams had a past relationship. Williams’ performance, which included a “crip walk,” a dance originating from her hometown of Compton, California, sparked significant controversy.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Williams’ decision to participate in the performance, suggesting that if he were her husband, he would consider divorce. He remarked, “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a**… What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, responded to Smith’s comments on social media. He pointed out that Williams had faced similar criticism in the past, notably during the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, when she performed the same dance after winning a match. Ohanian emphasized that the dance was a celebration of her roots and had no connection to Drake. He also highlighted the racist undertones of the criticism, suggesting that critics would be equally outraged by the criminal origins of other traditional dances.
The controversy surrounding Williams’ Super Bowl appearance underscores the ongoing scrutiny public figures face regarding their personal histories and associations. While some, like Smith, view her performance as inappropriate, others, including Ohanian, defend her right to express herself and celebrate her heritage. This incident highlights the complex interplay between personal expression, public perception, and the legacies of past relationships in the public eye.