At the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, tennis icon Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s performance, dancing to his track “Not Like Us.” This song is widely interpreted as a diss track aimed at rapper Drake, with whom Williams had a past relationship. Her participation in this performance garnered significant attention, especially considering the song’s context and her personal history.
The performance elicited mixed reactions. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith criticized Williams, suggesting that her involvement in a performance of a diss track targeting her ex was inappropriate for a married woman. He went as far as to say that if his wife had done something similar, he would consider divorce. Smith’s comments were met with backlash from various quarters. Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View,” defended Williams, emphasizing that the performance was about joy and self-expression, and questioning why Smith focused on Williams’ past relationship instead of celebrating her current achievements.
Amidst the controversy, Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, stood firmly by her side. He took to social media to highlight the profound symbolism of her dance, reflecting on past criticism Williams received for performing it. Ohanian emphasized that the criticism is unjust and is part of a larger issue beyond music and dance. He highlighted the historical backlash against such expressions and pointed to the irony in the acceptance of other dance forms with illicit origins, such as Irish step-dancing or Northern English clog dancing. Ohanian’s support underscores the ongoing cultural and racial bias Williams has faced throughout her career.
This isn’t the first time Ohanian has publicly defended his wife in the face of criticism involving Drake. In November 2022, Drake released the album “Her Loss,” which included the track “Middle of the Ocean.” In this song, Drake referred to Ohanian as a “groupie,” rapping, “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie.” Ohanian responded on Twitter, embracing the label and expressing pride in his role as a supportive husband and father. He wrote, “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.”
Serena Williams’ participation in the Super Bowl halftime show and the subsequent reactions highlight the complex interplay of personal relationships, public perception, and media narratives. While some critics focused on her past with Drake, others, including her husband, emphasized the importance of celebrating her achievements and the symbolism of her performance. Ohanian’s unwavering support underscores the strength of their relationship and his commitment to standing by his wife amidst public scrutiny.
