Serena Williams took to social media to thank her husband, Alexis Ohanian, for his unconditional support following her Super Bowl appearance, and I’m totally not jealous of their relationship. At all.
Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian on a red carpet. Serena in a short sparkling, strapless dress and Alexis in a classic tuxedo with a bow tie
In case you need a quick recap, Serena made headlines after her iconic appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, when she joined Kendrick Lamar during his performance of his Grammy-winning hit “Not Like Us.” The show featured Serena Crip Walking to the track — and viewers had a lot to say about it.
Serena Williams wearing a casual outfit with a pleated skirt, jacket, and high-top sneakers, as she dances on stage during the Super Bowl
Given that “Not Like Us” is Kendrick’s diss track against Drake, viewers were quick to make the connection between Serena (Drake’s rumored ex, circa 2015) and Kendrick’s feud. But the Crip Walk also reminded audiences of when Serena faced scrutiny for doing the same dance at Wimbledon in 2012. Serena performed the move in celebration after beating fellow tennis great Maria Sharapova. However, this led to her being accused of “glamorizing gang culture,” prompting a heap of unfair scrutiny.
Serena Williams on stage with arms raised, wearing a white top with a blue jacket and pleated skirt, in an energetic performance
But in spite of Serena’s historical connection to the dance move, most people fixated on her past romance with Drake and suggested that she was trolling the rapper by joining Kendrick on stage.
Drake in embellished denim jacket with floral patterns, holding a phone, walking outdoors, looking sad
Media personality Stephen A. Smith even went as far as suggesting that he’d divorce Serena over the move if he were her husband. “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass, ’cause clearly you don’t belong with me,” he declared on ESPN. “What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
Stephen A. Smith in a suit sitting on stage, gesturing while speaking at an event
And while the comments sparked a whole lot of discourse, the loudest voice was none other than Serena’s actual husband, Alexis, who took to social media to defend his wife.
Serena Williams in a form-fitting, off-the-shoulder dress, Alexis Ohanian in a suit, and their daughter Olympia Ohanian stand together at an outdoor event, looking into the distance
Alexis and Serena have been married for eight years and have two daughters: Olympia and Adira.
Responding to an article about the divorce comment, Alexis publicly mentioned Stephen, telling him, “I got you @stephenasmith,” and linking out to his previous tweet that read, “Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows… This is bigger than the music.”
Alexis Ohanian at an outdoor event wearing a dark blazer, smiling, with a lanyard displaying a name. Background includes a track and an “ATHLOS” banner
Alongside his callout of Stephen, Alexis proved that he’s ready to go to war for Serena when last week he issued a lethal response to Fox Sports journalist Jason Whitlock calling him a “simp” on X.
Alexis Ohanian with a short beard wearing a dark button-up jacket, sitting on stage, looking contemplative
Twitter: @alexisohanian
The read was generational. One user wrote, “Alexis I thought I was aware of your game but my goodness.” And others were quick to point out that Alexis, who is the cofounder of Reddit, was simply unbeatable when it came to the internet.
Alexis Ohanian in a casual blazer and shirt poses at a Fanatics event backdrop
Anyway, after Alexis’s polite takedowns on X, Serena has finally responded — in the cutest way.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian excitedly cheer at an event. Alexis wears casual dark attire; the other in a light top. Several spectators are in the background
“That there my baby daddy and husband. Always got my back. I Love you 🥰 Gosh I’m so late to the game (I’ve been sick) & busy investing in billion dollar companies and running @WYNbeauty … def not dancing to be petty lol,” Serena wrote.
Serena Williams in a stylish outfit accompanied by another person who is also smiling at the Super Bowl
In case you didn’t know, WYN Beauty is the beauty brand that Serena founded in 2024.
“I think I proved 23 times over (not counting 4 gold medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty,” she continued. “All love and respect always nothing negative here 🤗.”
Serena Williams in a stylish, elegant textured dress seated in an interview setting
23…as in her 23 Grand Slam titles. TELL THEM, SERENA.
Serena Williams in patterned outfit enthusiastically cheers with arms raised at an event, surrounded by a crowd
And with that, I think it’s clear that Serena will stay unbothered with her many accolades and wonderful husband, and keep dancing.
Serena Williams on stage wears a pleated skirt with a matching jacket and a white top, standing with arms raised in front of a cheering crowd
Are you as jealous of them as I am? LMK your thoughts below.
