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Serena Williams Addresses Super Bowl Halftime Dance Speculation
Tennis icon Serena Williams has clarified recent speculation surrounding her viral dance performance during the Super Bowl halftime show, dismissing claims that it was intended as a slight towards her former partner, hip-hop artist Drake. The celebrated athlete addressed the conjecture in a recent interview, emphasizing that her participation in the performance was rooted in paying tribute to her hometown and had no connection to any perceived feud.
Halftime Performance Sparks Online Chatter
During Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Williams joined the acclaimed rapper onstage, executing a “crip walk” while Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a diss track directed at Drake. This action ignited social media discussions, with many viewers interpreting the dance as a deliberate jab at Drake, given Williams’s past relationship with him.
Williams Refutes Drake Diss Interpretation
In a conversation with Time magazine, Williams firmly rejected the notion that her dance was a diss aimed at Drake. “Absolutely not,” she stated. “I would never do that. And it was disheartening that anyone would even consider that. I understand why some might draw that conclusion. However, that was absolutely not the case. I have never harbored negative feelings toward him. We have known him for many years.”
Husband Alexis Ohanian Defends Williams
Williams’s husband, entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, also refuted the speculation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 10th, Ohanian highlighted the earlier criticism Williams faced for performing the same dance at Wimbledon 13 years prior. He wrote, “Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows … This is bigger than the music.” Ohanian’s statement alluded to the broader significance of the dance beyond the immediate musical context.
Dance Rooted in Compton Heritage
Ohanian’s post referenced Williams’s performance of the same dance after securing a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, celebrated at Wimbledon. The “crip walk” itself is a dance movement originating from the Crips gang in Compton, Los Angeles.
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Williams explained that her participation in the Super Bowl halftime show was intended as an homage to Compton, her hometown and also Lamar’s place of origin. She emphasized the significance of representing her roots on such a prominent stage.
“Who would have thought that a tennis player from Compton would be regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time?” she reflected in the Time interview. “It was simply emphasizing that achievement.”
Reflections on Performance Decision
Addressing her decision to participate in the performance, Williams offered a nuanced perspective, stating, “I don’t know if I regret it or not. I haven’t reached a definitive conclusion on that.” This comment suggests a degree of internal reflection on the impact and reception of her actions.
Family Focus at Super Bowl
The celebrated athlete further clarified that her focus at the Super Bowl was not on public perception but rather on a personal family moment. She and Ohanian were primarily focused on obtaining an autograph from Taylor Swift for their daughter. Swift was present at the game supporting her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
“My husband and I, we’re in a completely different headspace,” she elaborated. “We are deeply connected, very much in love, and simply preoccupied with trying to get Taylor Swift autographs for our daughter. Nothing else held our attention.”
Commitment to Women’s Sports
Williams concluded by underscoring her and Ohanian’s broader commitments, particularly their investments in women’s sports. Ohanian holds a stake in the National Women’s Soccer League team Angel City FC, and Williams has become a co-owner of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. “We are investing in women and in sports,” she added. “This is literally the furthest thing from our minds. Seriously.”