Serena Williams says the Super Bowl halftime look was originally not intended to shade Drake: “I’d never do that.”
Serena Williams Clearing the air with the controversial Super Bowl halftime look, revealing in an interview this week that dancing during Kendrick Lamar’s performance never digs her ex-Drake.
Williams, 43, finds himself at the heart of the controversy that followed. Super Bowl LIX In New Orleans, millions of viewers saw her clip-walk during Lamar’s performance in “Not Like Us,” targeting Lamar’s rival and Williams’ former Drake.
Serena Williams will dance during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl Ricks football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, 2025. (AP photo/Stefannie Carblow)
Some people had problems with the dance itself due to their gang affiliation, while others questioned why Williams, who is married to two children, was aiming for the old flames.
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During an interview with Time Magazine, Williams, who was appointed 100 most influential people in 2025, said her participation was not intended to throw shade at her.
“It’s definitely not,” she said during the interview.
“I never do that, and it was sad for everyone to think about it. I respect how they can do it. Obviously, I can see how someone thinks it. But absolutely not. I had no negative feelings towards him.
Serena Williams will dance off stage during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl LIX football game in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, 2025 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Among Williams’ most notable critics was Stephen A. Smith, the character of ESPN. Williams saw the comments, but told time he was entitled to his opinion.
“I thought it was hilarious,” she said. “He is allowed to have personal opinions. But did you see what my husband said? It was very eloquent.”
Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, defending her in a social media post, saying, “Some people don’t know how Serena was criticized for this same dance. Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows….It’s bigger than music. ”
Serena Williams will dance on stage on Sunday, February 9, 2025 in New Orleans during halftime in the NFL Super Bowl Ricks football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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The 23-time Grand Slam champion looks back on her participation and doesn’t know if “I regret it or not.”
“I don’t know the answer to that.”
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