Serena Williams Clears the Air on Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Appearance, Denies Dissing Ex Drake
In a recent interview with Time, tennis legend Serena Williams addressed speculation surrounding her appearance during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. Williams, who was briefly seen Crip-walking as Lamar performed his track "Not Like Us," a song widely interpreted as a diss toward rapper Drake, clarified that her cameo was not intended as a slight against her former flam
The Performance and Its Backlash
During the Super Bowl halftime show, Williams joined Lamar on stage, dancing in a blue skirt and jacket with a white top to Lamar's 2024 hit song "Not Like Us." The performance included Lamar's diss track, which features lyrics that many interpreted as targeting Drake. Williams's dance, notably her Crip-walking, led to speculation that it was a deliberate jab at Drake, with whom she had been romantically linked in the past.ABC News+1Los Angeles Times+1InStyle
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The backlash was swift. Some fans and commentators criticized Williams for allegedly using the platform to settle personal scores. The Federal Communications Commission reportedly received 125 complaints regarding her performance, including concerns about promoting gang affiliation. Additionally, Drake expanded his lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation stemming from Lamar's Super Bowl performance .People.comThe Guardian
Williams's Clarification
In her Time interview, Williams firmly denied any malicious intent behind her appearance. She emphasized that she holds no negative feelings toward Drake and has known him for many years. Williams explained that her involvement in the performance stemmed from Lamar's appreciation for her representation of Los Angeles and their shared roots in Compton, California. She noted that Lamar had been trying to collaborate with her for a long time and that when the opportunity arose, she was eager to participate.People.comABC News+4Biography+4People.com+4
Addressing the Crip-walk, Williams acknowledged that it was a dance she had performed in the past, including after winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. She joked about the dance, saying, “Man, I did not Crip-walk like that at Wimbledon. I would’ve been fined!” This lighthearted comment was shared on her social media, where she also expressed her
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The Significance of the Cameo
Williams's cameo was more than just a dance performance; it was a celebration of her roots and a nod to her longstanding friendship with Lamar. Both artists hail from Compton, and their collaboration on such a significant stage highlighted their shared experiences and mutual respect. Williams's participation also underscored her versatility and willingness to embrace new opportunities, stepping outside her comfort zone as a retired athlete to engage with the music industry.
While the performance sparked controversy, it also showcased the power of music and sports to intersect and create memorable moments. Williams's clarification serves as a reminder that public appearances should not be hastily interpreted and that artists often have multifaceted reasons for their actions.
In conclusion, Serena Williams's appearance during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show was not a diss toward Drake but rather a celebration of her heritage and a testament to her enduring friendship with Lamar. Her clarification puts to rest any misconceptions and reaffirms her commitment to positivity and respect in all her endeavors.