Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports journalist, has sparked controversy with his latest remarks about tennis superstar Serena Williams. On a recent episode of First Take, Smith expressed strong disapproval of Williams’ actions during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show. Williams surprised fans by making a bold appearance during the performance, crip-walking on stage while Lamar performed his Drake diss track, Not Like Us. Many interpreted her actions as a subtle jab at the Canadian rapper, with whom she had a rumored on-again, off-again relationship from 2011 to 2015. Smith, however, didn’t hold back in sharing his opinion on the matter. He jokingly said that if he were married to Williams, he would have filed for divorce after seeing her openly troll her ex. “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass,” he declared. “Because clearly, you don’t belong with me. What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.” His colorful remarks quickly went viral, divided opinions, and set off a heated debate.
Smith’s co-host, Ryan Clark, tried to interject and lighten the mood, telling him to “stop it” before adding a bit of humor to the situation. “If you’re with Serena Williams, you’re going to be a kept man anyways,” Clark said with a grin. “Don’t start that.” Clark’s comment not only defused the tension but also highlighted the absurdity of Smith’s hypothetical scenario. After all, Serena Williams is a global icon and one of the most accomplished athletes in history, and it’s hard to imagine anyone taking such drastic action over her playful antics. Still, Smith’s remarks underscored how polarizing Williams’ actions were—some saw them as harmless fun, while others, like Smith, interpreted them as disrespectful or attention-seeking.
The context behind Williams’ Super Bowl appearance added fuel to the fire. Her crip-walking during Lamar’s performance was widely seen as a nod to her past relationship with Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham. Although the two never publicly confirmed their romance, their connection was hinted at in Drake’s music. For instance, he name-dropped Williams in his 2013 song Worst Behavior and later revealed that Too Good, another track, was inspired by her. By 2015, however, their relationship seemed to have fizzled out, with Page Six reporting at the time that they had parted ways but remained friends. Fast-forward to 2023, and Williams’ playful trolling of her ex during one of the most-watched events in the world was either a clever way to reclaim the narrative or a unnecessary reminder of her past, depending on who you ask.
Despite the backlash from some, Williams’ actions didn’t seem to faze her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is notoriously supportive of his wife. The Reddit co-founder took to social media to praise her performance, captioning a series of photos from the event with the simple yet heartfelt words, “Pretty fantastic halftime show.” The images showed Williams owning the stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where Lamar’s performance took place. Ohanian’s admiration for his wife is nothing new; since marrying Williams in 2017, he has been her rock, celebrating her accomplishments both on and off the court. Together, they share two daughters—Alexis Jr., 8, and Adira, 1—and have built a loving family life that seems far removed from the drama of Williams’ past.
For many, the debate over Williams’ actions during the Super Bowl is less about her relationship with Drake and more about how she chooses to present herself in the public eye. At 43, Williams is still unapologetically herself, blending her fierce competitiveness with a sense of humor and confidence that has endeared her to millions. Critics like Stephen A. Smith may question her judgment, but fans see her halftime show appearance as a lighthearted moment that shouldn’t be overanalyzed. After all, in a world where public figures are constantly scrutinized, moment of levity are rare—and Williams’ ability to embrace them is part of what makes her so beloved. Her husband’s unwavering support only reinforces the idea that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be—in the spotlight and on her own terms.
In the end, the furor over Serena Williams’ Super Bowl appearance serves as a reminder of her enduring influence. Whether she’s dominating on the tennis court or making headlines with her personal life, Williams has a way of keeping people talking. And as her husband’s public support and her own unapologetic attitude show, she’s not letting anyone’s opinions—not even Stephen A. Smith’s—dictate how she lives her life. Love her or hate her, Serena Williams is a force of nature, and the world is better for it.
