Alexis Ohanian Defends Serena Williams Amidst Backlash Over Her Crip Walk at Super Bowl 2025
Serena Williams has found herself at the center of a heated debate following her appearance at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show. The tennis icon, known for her unparalleled achievements on the court, shocked viewers when she joined Kendrick Lamar on stage and performed the crip walk—a dance rooted in Southern California gang culture. While the moment was undoubtedly one of the night’s most talked-about highlights, it also sparked a significant amount of online controversy, particularly due to the dance’s historical association with violence and gang culture.
A Surprising Performance at the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was already brimming with excitement as Kendrick Lamar prepared to take the stage. However, when the beat of Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dropped, all eyes turned to Serena Williams, who effortlessly performed the crip walk to the rhythm of the Grammy-winning track. This move came as a surprise, considering her longstanding legacy in tennis and the controversy surrounding the dance’s origins.
The crip walk was created in the 1970s by Robert “Sugar Bear” Jackson, a member of the Crips street gang from Southern California. Over the years, the dance has remained deeply intertwined with gang culture, making it a highly controversial gesture when performed in public, especially on a platform as large as the Super Bowl.
Serena’s History with the Crip Walk
While the crip walk has remained controversial, it isn’t the first time Serena Williams has been in the spotlight for performing the dance. Back in 2012, during the London Olympics, Serena famously performed the crip walk on the Wimbledon court after winning a major match. The moment was met with mixed reactions. While some fans celebrated it as an expression of joy and raw emotion, others questioned its appropriateness, given the dance’s ties to gang violence.
Bill Plaschke, a sports journalist for the LA Times, commented at the time that Serena’s crip walk was indicative of how far she had been removed from her roots in Compton, where gang-related violence was prevalent. He suggested that the celebratory dance demonstrated how disconnected she had become from the very violence associated with the dance’s origins.
However, fans were divided. Some insisted that it was just a dance, a way for Serena to celebrate her victory, while others felt it was a poor choice, calling it “stupid and classless.” Despite the criticism, Serena remained unapologetic, maintaining that it was a moment of self-expression, not a promotion of violence.
The Super Bowl Controversy and Alexis Ohanian’s Response
Fast forward to Super Bowl 2025, and Serena’s performance once again garnered significant attention. This time, however, the criticism was even more intense, with some questioning her decision to perform the crip walk given her sister Yetunde Price’s tragic death in 2003. Yetunde, Serena’s older sister, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton, allegedly by a gang member associated with the Crips. This added a personal dimension to the debate, with some viewers accusing Serena of being disrespectful to her sister’s memory by performing the dance.
In the face of the backlash, Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, stepped up to defend his wife. The Reddit co-founder, known for his outspoken support of Serena, took to social media to address the critics. Ohanian reminded fans that Serena had been publicly criticized for her crip walk at Wimbledon over a decade ago, further underscoring the ongoing scrutiny she has faced for her choice of celebration.
He also shared a screenshot of past comments made by conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock, who had previously claimed that Serena should have apologized for her crip walk and compared it to making an inappropriate joke in a church. Ohanian’s message was clear: Serena’s dance was bigger than the music, and it was an expression of her personality and authenticity, not an endorsement of violence.
Support and Criticism Continue to Pour In
While many fans rushed to defend Serena, praising her powerful performance, others remained critical of the controversial dance. Some pointed out the juxtaposition of her celebratory dance with the tragic loss of her sister, which created an emotional divide among her supporters and detractors.
Despite the controversy, Ohanian’s social media post received overwhelming support from fans who rallied behind Serena. One fan wrote, “The girls that get it get it! There’s a reason Serena keeps winning off the court too,” while another praised her as “the GOAT doing GOAT things.” Serena’s fans were quick to defend her right to be unapologetically herself and embrace her roots, no matter the criticism.
Serena Williams: A Trailblazer in and Out of the Spotlight
Serena Williams has long been a cultural icon, breaking barriers not only in sports but also in the world of entertainment and social activism. Her appearance at the Super Bowl, combined with her unapologetic performance of the crip walk, exemplifies her authenticity and resilience in the face of public scrutiny. Whether on the tennis court or on the Super Bowl stage, Serena continues to captivate audiences with her strength, confidence, and unwavering sense of self.
While the controversy surrounding the crip walk may continue to divide opinions, one thing remains clear: Serena Williams will always be a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court. As she continues to challenge societal expectations and push boundaries, her supporters stand behind her, proving that Serena’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements.
Final Thoughts on Ohanian’s Defense of Serena Williams
In defending his wife, Alexis Ohanian has once again demonstrated his loyalty and dedication to supporting Serena, no matter the criticism. His thoughtful response to the backlash underscores the importance of standing by loved ones in times of public scrutiny and highlights the challenges celebrities face in balancing their personal lives with the public’s expectations. As the conversation continues, fans and critics alike will undoubtedly continue to weigh in, but one thing is certain: Serena Williams remains a trailblazer who will continue to make her mark on the world, one powerful move at a time.
What do you think about Alexis Ohanian’s defense of Serena’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
