Critics, Supporters Clash Over Serena Williams' Super Bowl Performance

Serena Williams made headlines during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show by crip-walking to his diss track 'Not Like Us,' which targets her ex, Drake. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Williams, suggesting that if his wife were to troll an ex, it would signal a lack of commitment. In response, Williams and her supporters defended her performance as an expression of her roots and authenticity, with cohost Sunny Hostin emphasizing it as a celebration of Black joy. Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, also defended her on social media, recalling the criticism she faced for the same dance after winning at Wimbledon in 2012, stating that the moment was bigger than music. Despite mixed reactions, Williams appeared unbothered, sharing her enjoyment of the halftime performance. The incident has sparked discussions around the cultural significance of the dance and its historical context.