In a stunning display of artistry and boldness, Serena Williams stole the spotlight at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show with a performance that reverberated far beyond the football field. Accompanied by Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a diss track packed with piercing lyrics directed at her ex-boyfriend, Drake, Williams not only entertained but also ignited a fervor online. This moment of audacity has sparked discussions about the intersections of celebrity culture, personal narratives, and public perception, raising broader questions about societal standards regarding women’s expressions of self.
A Performance Shrouded in Controversy
When Williams took the stage, she was more than a tennis champion; she became a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Dressed in a captivating ensemble, she commanded the audience’s attention, demonstrating that she can transcend her sport and make bold artistic statements. The choice of song was particularly provocative, given Kendrick Lamar’s explicit reference to Drake, who was performing elsewhere in Australia, mulling over his own feelings about past relationships. This dramatic timing—a diss aimed at an ex during a moment of celebration—became a rich subject for discussion across social media platforms.
However, while Williams basked in the cheers from an enthusiastic audience, the aftermath of her performance proved divisive. Observers quickly took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to critique or praise the cultural significance behind her choice of track and her accompanying dance moves. This moment transformed into a reflection of how women, particularly women of color, navigate societal expectations and the often conflicting narratives that surround them.
Support from the Sidelines: Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian, Williams’ husband and co-founder of Reddit, did not shy away from defending his wife amidst the uproar. He expressed pride in her performance through a post that appeared shortly after the show, which showcased both his loyalty and the warm bond between the couple. However, his defense extended beyond mere applause; he targeted the criticism that resurfaced, calling attention to the double standards surrounding Williams’ past performances, particularly referencing the backlash she received after a 2012 dance at Wimbledon.
By invoking the historical context of criticism leveled at Williams, Ohanian signaled that the scrutiny has persisted through the years, framing it as a gendered issue. He provided a stark reminder of how societal expectations often constrain women, especially when they step outside traditional norms. As he posted screenshots from past commentary regarding Williams’ dance moves, Ohanian sought to illuminate the perceived hypocrisy surrounding women’s displays of joy and cultural expression.
The resonance of Williams’ performance in 2025 harkens back to her Crip Walk in 2012, appearing not only as a celebration of her success but also as a reclamation of her narrative. At that time, her dance was a point of contention, criticized by some commentators who claimed it marred the decorum expected in tennis. This episode reflects an ongoing theme in Williams’ life: how her very existence challenges conventional standards in sports and society.
Ohanian accurately pointed out that such displays of cultural expression often invite scrutiny that their male counterparts do not face. When Williams danced, it was interpreted not as a celebration but as a disgracing of the sport itself—a narrative often reserved for women who step outside expected roles. By re-engaging the public in discourse surrounding these themes, Ohanian encouraged a reconsideration of cultural norms that dictate how success and femininity can and should be performed.
The story of Serena and Alexis is not just a tale of public performances and media narratives; it is also a narrative about their enduring love and support for each other. Their relationship blossomed mere months after Williams’ rumored split from Drake, leading to an enduring companionship that has since welcomed two daughters. Their journey represents a modern narrative in which love, respect, and mutual growth intertwine amidst the pressures of public life.
The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was not merely an entertainment spectacle. It emerged as a powerful testament to personal identity, gender norms, and the complex nature of celebrity culture. Serena Williams’ dance, set to Kendrick Lamar’s incisive lyrics, functions as more than an anecdote—it is a harbinger of change. This moment is a reminder that in the face of scrutiny, women can not only make bold statements but also challenge longstanding stereotypes and narratives surrounding their identities. With the unwavering support of figures like Alexis Ohanian, it becomes clear that their stories are interwoven with themes of resilience, love, and cultural significance that resonate far beyond the stage.