During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, tennis icon Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, performing the Crip Walk during Kendrick Lamar’s set. The moment quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism. Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, did not hesitate to defend her, showing his unwavering support.
A Celebrated Cameo by Serena Williams
Williams, 43, took the stage as Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a song known for taking shots at rapper Drake. The tennis star, dressed in a stylish blue outfit, danced confidently, incorporating the Crip Walk, a move she previously performed after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics.
Ohanian was among the first to react, sharing his admiration on social media. He posted several photos from the event, including one of Williams dancing, and captioned them: “Pretty fantastic halftime show.” His comment signaled his pride in her performance, even as discussions about the dance’s meaning unfolded.
Addressing the Critics
Despite the excitement, some critics, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, questioned whether Williams’ dance was appropriate for the Super Bowl stage. The debate quickly gained traction, with some arguing that the move carried controversial gang affiliations.
Ohanian directly addressed the backlash on X (formerly Twitter), referencing the past criticism Williams faced for doing the same dance at the Olympics. “People are still mad about this? In 2012, they were mad. In 2024, they’re mad. This is bigger than the music,” he wrote. He also pointed out that many dance styles have complicated histories, yet they remain part of mainstream performances.
Williams, for her part, seemed unfazed by the backlash. She later posted behind-the-scenes footage of her Super Bowl experience, captioning it, “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!” Her energy and enthusiasm reflected her confidence in embracing the moment.
As the discussion continues, Williams’ halftime cameo remains one of the most talked-about moments of the night. With her husband standing firmly in her corner, she proves once again that she is more than an athlete—she is a cultural icon.