Serena Williams recently opened up about the criticism she faced following her appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Fans of rapper Drake called her “petty” after she joined Lamar on stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
The performance included a dance to Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which has been interpreted as a diss to Drake, Williams’ ex-boyfriend.
Serena’s Cameo Sparks Controversy
Some viewers speculated that Williams’ brief appearance and her signature “Crip walk” dance were aimed at throwing shade at her ex, given Lamar’s long-standing beef with Drake.
The speculation intensified when Drake seemed to respond with a cryptic Instagram post from a burner account.
However, Williams quickly shot down any claims that her dance moves were meant to be a diss.
Serena Williams Defends Herself Against ‘Petty’ Accusations
In the aftermath of the performance, Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, took to social media to defend her.
He pointed out that Williams had faced harsh criticism for similar behavior 13 years ago at Wimbledon, emphasizing that there was much more to the situation than people realized.
Serena responded to his supportive message on Sunday, February 16, writing: “That there my baby daddy and husband. Always got my back. I love you.”
She went on to joke about her tardiness in responding, mentioning she had been “sick” and busy with her investments.
Serena further clarified, saying, “Def not dancing to be petty lol.
I think I proved 23 times over (not counting 4 medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty.”
Her message concluded with “all love and respect” and “always nothing negative here.”
Serena Shows She’s Unbothered By Critics
Rather than letting the controversy bother her, Serena showed she’s unbothered by the trolls.
She enjoyed a tropical getaway and shared a series of stunning photos on Instagram.
In one of the posts, she flaunted her fit physique in a chic green-and-white bikini paired with linen pants and a matching headband.
Serena looked confident and carefree as she soaked up the sun, writing, “Unfiltered untouched magic at magic hour #girlstrip.”
Later that day, she posted another set of photos from her beach day, posing in a daring leopard-print bikini while playing in the ocean with her daughter, Adira, 18 months old.
Serena also has a seven-year-old daughter, Olympia, with her husband, Ohanian.
A Look Back at Serena and Drake’s Past Relationship
Before meeting Ohanian, Serena Williams and Drake had an on-again, off-again relationship.
The pair were first romantically linked in 2011 when Drake was often spotted courtside at Serena’s matches.
In fact, he once tweeted, “@SerenaWilliams I cannot wait to put it on you and make you sweat……. during our match this weekend.”
Though they briefly dated, their relationship eventually ended.
However, they’ve remained friends over the years.
In 2015, while attending New York Fashion Week, Drake was seen supporting Serena once again.
Despite their past, sources have confirmed that the two have maintained a strong friendship, even after their romantic relationship ended.