Serena Wililams offered a simple explanation to address criticism she received after making an appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The tennis legend, who retired from the sport in 2022, posted a video on Instagram showing the behind-scenes leading up to her cameo.
Serena Williams dances during halftime of the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In the post, she shared a brief explanation why she accepted Lamar’s invitation.
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“When @kendricklamar and team called and was like ‘we’ve been trying to do something forever, what about this? We loved your crip walk at the Olympics after you won the gold medal.’ I’m like Super Bowl? Are you serious?
“When in the world would I ever be able to dance at a superbowl? (Never) let’s do it!”
Williams’ added that she knew her “winning dance” at the 2012 Olympic Games in London “would pay off one day.”
Serena Williams dances during halftime of the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
SERENA WILLIAMS’ HUSBAND FIRES BACK AT CRITICS OVER HER SUPER BOWL LIX HALFTIME SHOW CRIP WALK
“End of story,” she added.
Williams’ explanation comes after she faced criticism for her choice of dance and for performing alongside the rival of rapper Drake, with whom Williams was previously involved in a relationship.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was among those who criticized Williams, saying he would divorce his wife if she was “trolling her ex.”
Serena Williams dances on stage during halftime of the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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But Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, defended Williams
“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,” he said in a post on X.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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The Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl title was derailed Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense dominated the Chiefs’ offense for a 40-22 victory.
Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times, threw two interceptions and finished the game with 257 passing yards. Kansas City entered the game as a two-time defending champion and a slight favorite.
After the blowout victory, Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams revealed some extra motivation his team had entering the game.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams celebrates on the podium after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans Feb. 9, 2025.(Imagn)
Williams said talk about a possible three-peat helped fuel Philly heading into the Super Bowl.
“Definitely,” Williams said, via ESPN. “They were talking about getting the copyright and all that B.S. Throw that s— in the trash.”
SUPER BOWL LIX SHATTERS VIEWERSHIP RECORDS AS MILLIONS WATCHED EAGLES WIN
Earlier this month, Miami Heat President Pat Riley’s trademark attorney, John Aldrich, confirmed to collectible media site cllct that an agreement had been reached that would allow the Chiefs to use the trademarked three-peat term if Kansas City won a third straight title.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts smiles on the podium next to defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) after a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Riley owns multiple trademarks relating the term, according to ESPN. An NFL spokesperson later clarified that the league was not included in the deal, and the Chiefs and Riley were the only parties involved. An agreement had not been formally signed at the time of the report.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans Feb. 9, 2025.(Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, who returned from injury to play Sunday, suggested the talk about the Chiefs’ pursuit of three consecutive Vince Lombardi trophies left Philadelphia feeling slighted.
“That was motivation because it was kind of a slap to us,” Graham said. “It was like, they ain’t seen us yet. So, we heard that all week. And when the game came, execution was on point and together.”
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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP. The Eagles will celebrate the franchise’s second Super Bowl title with a parade and rally in Philadelphia Friday.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
Serena Williams’ husband came to the tennis legend’s defense on social media amid criticism over her decision to participate in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show and crip walk.
Williams performed the dance move in the midst of Lamar’s diss track toward rival rapper Drake. The retired tennis star also had a previous relationship with Drake, making her appearance during the track even more eyebrow-raising.
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Serena Williams dances during halftime at Super Bowl LIX, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
She was one of a few surprises Lamar had for the show, which also included Samuel L. Jackson dressed as “Uncle Sam” doing social commentary in between the Compton rapper’s songs.
While some criticized Williams, Alexis Ohanian wrote in a post on X that her appearance was “bigger than music.”
“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,” the Reddit co-founder wrote.
Williams crip-walked while at Wimbledon during the 2012 Olympics in London and drew criticism as well.
STEPHEN A SMITH SAYS HE WOULD DIVORCE SERENA WILLIAMS FOR SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW CAMEO
Serena Williams dances on stage during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, Sunday in New Orleans.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
“Also just wait until some of these folks learn about the illicit/criminal origins of Irish step-dancing or Northern English clog dancing! They’ll be APPALLED I tell you. OUTRAGED, even,” Ohanian added.
Williams appeared to be unbothered by the criticism. She posted several videos of herself before and after the halftime show.
“Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!” she wrote in one post Sunday night.
Williams is one of the most accomplished tennis players in recent memory – man or woman. She won 23 Grand Slam titles – second in women’s tennis history behind Margaret Court.
Serena Williams is cheered after her career-ending match at the U.S. Open in Flushing, New York, on Sept. 2, 2022.(John Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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She retired from professional tennis in 2022.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Serena Williams made a surprise cameo during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, as she was spotted dancing during the performance of “Not Like Us.”
Making an appearance for that song sparked some debate on social media, especially considering Lamar’s song is a diss track toward the rapper Drake, whom Williams dated in 2011.
Many believed it was no coincidence Williams’ time to shine was during this track, and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith thinks the same.
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Serena Williams dances on stage during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
It’s why, during his Monday edition of “First Take,” he told his colleagues he would divorce her if he was her husband.
“If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a–, ‘cause clearly you don’t belong with me,” Smith said on the show, which led to some laughter from his colleagues.
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“What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
Williams is married to Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, and they share two daughters together.
Smith’s co-host Ryan Clark responded, “If you were with Serena Williams, you’re going to be a kept man anyways. Don’t start that.”
Serena Williams dances during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Lamar and Drake have quite the beef with each other, though only one of them saw Grammys won for their diss tracks.
“Not Like Us” won Song of the Year, which also won Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video.
It’s also worth noting Lamar was joined by SZA during the performance as well, and she confirmed dating Drake after he rapped about it on the track, “Mr. Right Now,” with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin.
Whether it’s trolling or not, Williams and Lamar do share a connection with their childhood, having grown up in Compton, California.
Serena Williams dances on stage during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson was also seen during the performance as “Uncle Sam,” as Lamar switched songs throughout.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
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Taylor Swift heard Philadelphia Eagles fans loud and clear on Sunday during Super Bowl LIX.
A chorus of boos was directed toward the pop star at the Caesars Superdome as the Eagles took on, and eventually defeated, the Kansas City Chiefs. Swift appeared to be stunned by the boos birds, according to multiple social media videos.
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Serena Williams dances off stage during halftime of Super Bowl LIX, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Swift did find a defender during the game – in Serena Williams. The tennis legend directed a post toward Swift.
“I love you @taylorswift13 dont listen to those booo!!” she wrote.
Unfortunately for Swift, she sat and watched the Chiefs get their doors blown off in a 40-22 rout from the Eagles. Her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, had four catches for 39 yards. It was far from enough to stymie the intense Eagles defense that plagued Kansas City all night long.
CHIEFS’ TRAVIS KELCE WALKS OFF FIELD DOWNCAST AFTER SUPER BOWL LIX LOSS IN POSSIBLE FINAL GAME
Taylor Swift watches Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Williams, at least, was able to make a guest appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show.
Swift faced more ridicule after the loss from President Donald Trump, who attended the game, becoming the first sitting president to do so.
“The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” Trump wrote.
A person wearing a Taylor Swift shirt walks in the French Quarter before Super Bowl LIX, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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The Chiefs will have to regroup in the offseason to make another Super Bowl run.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
‘The Big Weekend Show’ brings exclusive analysis of President Donald Trump at the Super Bowl and discusses him revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearances.
Serena Williams danced on Drake’s grave at Super Bowl LIX.
The women’s tennis legend danced happily during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show performance, including during the biggest song of the night.
Williams showed no hesitation in dancing to Lamar’s hit diss track, “Not Like Us,” which famously took aim at fellow star rapper Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham.
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Serena Williams dances off-stage during halftime of the Super Bowl LIX game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The song became so popular, and just as controversial, so much so that it has prompted Graham to file a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the song and its content.
The lawsuit said the allegations in the song and UMG’s decision to promote it led to “real world consequences” for Graham. On May 7, an armed group drove to Drake’s Toronto home, and at least one gunman opened fire, wounding a security guard, the suit alleges.
However, Graham’s complaint did nothing to deter Williams from jamming out while Lamar played the game in front of a crowd of thousands and a TV audience of millions.
Serena Williams dances on stage during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl LIX game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Williams danced to the song amid a rumored history with Graham.
SUPER BOWL LIX SECURITY TACKLES PERSON WITH FLAG SUPPORTING PALESTINIANS, SUDANESE DURING HALFTIME SHOW
Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome.(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Graham once implied he wrote his 2016 single “Too Good” for Williams when he shared footage of himself discussing the song’s inspiration with his mother, Sandi Graham.
“I get heavy on a couple joints, but this is more about me and Serena,” Graham said.
Graham and Williams were seen kissing in August 2015, in photos obtained by TMZ.
Now, the image of Williams dancing to the song that mocks Graham has ignited widespread conversation on social media.
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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
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NEW ORLEANS – Quincy Williams looked at his New York Jets teammate Jermaine Johnson on Tuesday on Radio Row in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX and made a statement.
“I’m tired of losing,” the Jets star linebacker said in an interview with Fox News Digital while discussing his partnership with Bounty.
Johnson replied, “Oh man, I’m tired of losing.”
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New York Jets new head coach Aaron Glenn speaks during a press conference at the NFL football team’s training facility on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Since joining the Jets in 2021 after two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams has seen 23 Jets wins to 45 losses – a .338 win percentage. Johnson came in as a first-round pick in 2022, and though he only played two games this past year due to a torn Achilles, he has also seen his Jets under .500 in his three seasons with the club.
That wasn’t supposed to be the case in 2023 when the team traded for Aaron Rodgers and had a roster many believed would break their decade-plus-long playoff drought. We all know how that played out after just four snaps into Week 1 that year.
A 5-12 record, which saw head coach Robert Saleh ousted while the team continued to struggle, ultimately led to another new head coaching hire, and it’s someone the organization knows quite well in Aaron Glenn.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
A first-round pick by the organization in 1994, Glenn played cornerback for the Jets for eight of his 15 years in the league before getting into coaching. This will be his first head coaching gig, but Williams and Johnson expressed their excitement for having him in the building to lead them where they want to go.
And that’s winning football games.
“I’m excited to see the culture that he preaches, and also, the foundation that we’re going to build together. Because we have to have a strong foundation before we build anything up,” Williams explained.
When it comes to that foundation, Glenn set the tone by saying, “We’re built for this s—” during his introductory press conference.
Now, Williams and Johnson have heard it before with Saleh, whose motto was “All Gas, No Brakes,” which came from his own intro presser.
Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets stretches out his arms on the field prior to the start of the game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
But these Jets veterans know that players buying in, especially those senior leaders, are what will drive this team in the right direction moving into 2025.
Johnson provided an anecdote to explain why culture and foundation in the locker room is so important to success. And no, his story doesn’t come from his time in the league, but rather his career at Independence Community College – a powerhouse junior college squad that was on the fourth season of Netflix’s popular show “Last Chance U.”
“My first year [in JUCO], we had a bunch of no-names, me included,” he began. “Ain’t nobody knew me when I’m coming out of Minnesota going to junior college. We basically were the first team in school history, or 50 years, to win a bowl game and win the conference championship. Again, I get it, it’s junior college. But we had a bunch of no-names and nobody knew [us]. We didn’t have a bunch of DI players who came to play junior college – we had a bunch of grinders, right? And we got it done.
“My junior college conference, in all of America, was the most competitive conference to play in. Alvin Kamara came from it, other notable guys came from that conference. Long story short, the next year, we had all these guys bounce back – this guy played at ‘Bama, this guy played at Auburn, this guy played at Florida State. And we’re on Netflix again. Obviously, this is the school to beat. Bro…we went 2-8.
“So, I say that to say you can have the best, most talented roster in the world. You can have all the hype. If your culture and your foundation isn’t right, it doesn’t matter, and it will always be that way on all levels of football.”
Johnson didn’t say it directly, but that story has parallels with the Jets. A four-time MVP quarterback, offensive weapons galore including one that was traded for mid-season with a rapport with said quarterback, a top-three defense in yards allowed the last two season. Yet, the record is what it is despite the talent.
So, yes, Johnson and Williams likely speak for their Jets brothers when they say they’re tired of losing. But they’re optimistic that Glenn and this new regime, which includes new general Darren Mougey, are the right group to take them forward.
“I’m excited to start things new and start things with a great regime that I really feel like we have. And I already know the character of the guys in the locker room, so I know what they can do on the field. I’m excited to attack this season.”
STAYING CLEAN WITH BOUNTY
Another Super Bowl means another Super Bowl party that many will be attending this year. That means there will be some delictable eats, and wings are usually on the menu no matter where you go for the “Big Game.”
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
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That’s what Johnson and Williams were munching on during the interview, and the former even dropped a wing, which spoke to the reason why they both partnered with Bounty. They needed a sturdy paper towel to clean it up.
“You can have all the best food in the world, you can have the best party, but think about how messed up things can get with somebody’s hands all dirty, somebody spilled something. Look, what I’ve learned in life is, you may not be responsible for the mess, or you may be. Nevertheless, you need something to clean it up and do a good job. So, we got Bounty.”
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As the world bids farewell to 2024, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will celebrate the New Year 16 times. Orbiting Earth at 400 kilometres, the Expedition 72 team will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets as they transition into 2025. Sharing the update on X, the ISS wrote, “As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year.” Williams, who has been commanding the ISS since June 2024, will experience multiple New Year celebrations as the station orbits every 90 minutes. Special meals and video calls with loved ones will mark their celebrations in space. Sunita Williams Health Deteriorating? ‘Evacuate ASAP’, Say Netizens As NASA Astronaut’s Christmas 2024 Celebration Photos Trigger Health Concerns.
Sunita Williams New Year 2025 Celebration
As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost. pic.twitter.com/DdlvSCoKo1
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As 2024 concludes, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are preparing for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s celebration—experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets as they orbit Earth. The astronaut’s extended stay provides her with the rare opportunity to celebrate New Year 16 times in 24 hours, offering a breathtaking reminder of the beauty and uniqueness of life in orbit.
Multiple New Years in space
A post on the ISS’s official X (formerly Twitter) account noted: “As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost.”
Mission delays extend stay
Sunita Williams has been aboard the station since June 2024. Originally slated for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, her stay was extended due to technical delays and is now expected to last until March 2025.
Festive season among the stars
The extended mission allowed Williams and the crew to spend Christmas in space as well. In a video shared by NASA, the crew—dressed in festive attire—set up a Christmas tree and decorations aboard the station. Williams shared her love for the holiday season, highlighting the joy of preparation and togetherness.
“One of the best things I like about Christmas is the preparation, the anticipation, everybody getting together and getting ready for the holiday,” she said.
The astronauts including Buch Wilmore also expressed gratitude to the ground support teams who worked tirelessly during the holidays. “There is a huge team on the ground supporting us in mission controls around the globe. I want to thank them for the sacrifices they are making,” Williams said.
A remarkable journey
For Williams, who has previously logged over 321 days in space, this mission adds to her illustrious career as one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. As the ISS continues its vital scientific research, the Expedition 72 crew remains committed to advancing humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth.
