Serena Williams Criticizes Cotton Decoration at New York Hotel

Serena Williams expressed discomfort after encountering a cotton plant used as decoration in a New York City hotel while supporting the SKIMS/Nike collaboration launch with Kim Kardashian. She shared a video on Instagram showing her hesitation and unease, questioning the appropriateness of cotton as decor given its historical association with slavery and racial pain in the United States. The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some interpreting her response as a reflection on the painful legacy of cotton linked to slavery, while others viewed it as overly sensitive. Williams, known for her vocal stance on social issues including race and equality, appeared to be highlighting the cultural sensitivity tied to everyday objects like cotton. The hotel where the incident occurred was not disclosed, and her reaction drew attention to how deeply historical contexts can influence perceptions today. This episode underscores Williams' continued engagement with social causes beyond her tennis career.