TV host Stephen A. Smith made strong remarks about the Super Bowl halftime show, specifically addressing Serena Williams’ participation during Kendrick Lamar’s performance.
The 42-year-old tennis star made a surprise appearance, dancing while Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a song that directly references rapper Drake. Williams and Drake briefly dated in 2011, which fueled even more speculation about her presence during the performance.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 10, 2025
Smith’s strong criticism
On First Take, Smith did not hold back. He argued that Williams’ appearance gave her a bad image and even directed a strong message toward her husband. “You could tell her to stay out of it,” he suggested.
Smith continued with a more personal remark: “If I’m your husband, why are you up there trolling your ex? If my wife joins in to troll her ex, she can go right back to him. Clearly, she doesn’t belong with me. Why are you still thinking about him while being with me? Goodbye.”
Serena Williams is married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, whose net worth is estimated at $150 million. The couple has two daughters together.
Despite Smith’s harsh words, Williams paid no attention to the criticism. Instead, she shared several pictures and videos of her Super Bowl appearance on social media. She even posted clips on Instagram of herself dancing, seemingly unbothered by the backlash.
The controversy surrounding Williams’ appearance continues to spark debate online. Some fans supported Smith’s comments, while others defended Williams, arguing that she was simply enjoying the event. Either way, the tennis icon seems unaffected and remains focused on her personal and professional life.
