Serena Williams Clarifies Super Bowl Halftime Dance, Dismisses Shade Toward Ex Drake

Serena Williams has addressed speculation surrounding her appearance during the Super Bowl halftime show, assuring fans that her dance moves were not intended as a slight against her former partner, Drake. In a recent interview, she expressed her surprise at the controversy.

The tennis icon, at 43 years old, became a focal point of debate following Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Viewers witnessed her performing the crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s set while he sang his track “Not Like Us,” which some interpreted as a jab at Drake, who has had a long and documented history with Williams.

While some questioned the appropriateness of the dance due to its gang associations, others found it puzzling why Williams, now married and a mother of two, would seemingly poke fun at an ex.

Williams Sets the Record Straight

In an interview with Time magazine, which recognized her as one of The 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Williams firmly stated that her dance was not meant to insult Drake. “Absolutely not,” she emphasized, making it clear that there was no intention to shade her former flame.

Williams elaborated, saying, “I would never do that. And that was sad, that anyone would ever think that. I respect how they could. Obviously, I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years.” Her words reflect a desire to foster respect and understanding, even amid public scrutiny.

Criticism and Support from Peers

The fallout from her performance did not go unnoticed, especially among sports commentators. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith remarked on-air that he would consider divorcing his wife if she were to “troll her ex” in the way Williams appeared to be doing. Williams had a lighthearted response to Smith’s comments, acknowledging that he is entitled to his personal opinions.

“I thought it was hilarious,” she commented, showing that she maintains a sense of humor despite criticism. Williams also noted her husband’s supportive reaction, pointing out that his eloquence in the matter was commendable.

Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, took to social media to defend her. Ohanian pointed out the history behind the dance, referencing how Williams faced significant criticism for a similar performance more than a decade ago at Wimbledon. He indicated that the conversation surrounding the dance is larger than just music, adding depth to the discourse.

Reflecting on the Moments

Williams, reflecting on her choice to dance, admitted that she remains unsure whether she regrets it. “I don’t know the answer to that,” she stated, highlighting the complexities surrounding her public persona and the reactions it generates.

This incident demonstrates the multifaceted nature of celebrity life, wherein every action, even a joyous dance during a performance, can be scrutinized and analyzed. It raises questions about how public figures navigate past relationships while maintaining their current lives.

Moving Forward

As Williams continues to thrive both as an athlete and a public figure, the focus may shift away from her Super Bowl appearance. Instead, her legacy will likely be defined by her achievements in tennis and her advocacy for women’s rights and equality in sports.

In many ways, Williams exemplifies the challenges faced by public figures today, especially women. They are often held to different standards regarding their personal and professional lives.

As they navigate relationships, career pressures, and the public’s gaze, it becomes crucial for them to articulate their narratives clearly. Williams’s experience during the Super Bowl serves as a poignant reminder of these issues.

In summary, while controversy surrounded her recent dance, Williams’s steadfastness in clarifying her intentions is commendable. She opens a dialogue about respect, past relationships, and how the world perceives public figures. With every performance and public engagement, Williams continues to inspire discussions about identity, fame, and personal growth in the spotlight.