Alexis Ohanian Claps Back at Critics of Serena Williams’ Super Bowl Cameo
Serena Williams made waves during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, but not everyone was cheering. As the tennis legend hit the stage and broke into a Crip Walk while Kendrick performed his Drake diss track “Not Like Us,” some critics took issue with her dance moves and appearance.
Her husband, entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, wasted no time defending her. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he reminded people that Serena had faced similar criticism before. “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,” he wrote.
Serena herself acknowledged the moment in a lighthearted way, posting on Instagram: “Man, I did NOT Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon. I woulda been FINEDDDD! It was all love.” She also shared that Kendrick personally invited her, saying, “When @kendricklamar and team called and was like, ‘We’ve been trying to do something forever, what about this? We loved your Crip Walk at the Olympics after you won the gold medal.’ I’m like, Super Bowl? Are you serious? When in the world would I ever be able to dance at a Super Bowl? (Never) let’s do it!”
Of course, Serena’s appearance wasn’t just about the music—it carried a layer of shade. She and Drake were rumored to have dated in 2011, and Kendrick even referenced the alleged fling in “Not Like Us” with the line: “From Alondra down to Central, n***a better not speak on Serena.”
This isn’t the first time Serena has playfully sided against Drake. While hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards, she took a jab at the rap beef, saying: “If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us — not even me — should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar.” The crowd erupted in laughter as “Not Like Us” started playing, and she added, “He will make your hometown not like you.”
Drake has also taken shots at Ohanian. On his 2022 track “Middle of the Ocean,” he rapped: “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie / He claim we don’t got a problem but no, boo, it’s like you comin’ for sushi.” Ohanian had the perfect comeback, tweeting: “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.”
With Serena making a bold statement at the Super Bowl and Ohanian standing by her side, it’s clear they’re unfazed by the criticism. Whether intentional or not, Serena’s cameo was a mic-drop moment, reinforcing her legendary status while adding another layer to one of hip-hop’s biggest rap feuds.