While the Super Bowl surrounded the Kansas City Chiefs competing against the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes were on Kendrick Lamar. Although not the first performer to helm the halftime show, Lamar was the first solo rapper to headline. Offering fans songs like “Squabble Up”, “DNA”, and “Not Like Us”, Lamar’s halftime performance brought in over 133 million viewers. Not wanting to steal the spotlight, the rapper also welcomed stars like SZA and Samuel L. Jackson to the field. But when it came to Serena Williams making an appearance, many wondered if she was quietly criticizing Drake, who she was supposedly romantically involved with in the past.
Although the Super Bowl came packed with memorable moments, most fans harped on Williams dancing during the halftime show. With many already knowing about the feud between Lamar and Drake, it made sense the rapper would take aim at his competition. But when Williams took the field, some thought this was yet another dig at Drake, who claimed he dated Williams in the past.
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During her time on the field, Williams crip walked while Lamar performed. For some, they saw the moment as a throwback to 2012 when she won gold at the London Olympics. At the time, she broke out the same dance move. But when it came to the Super Bowl, many accused her of taking shots at Drake.
[RELATED: Kendrick Lamar and SZA Score a Super Bowl Halftime First on the Billboard 200 Chart]
Serena Williams Doesn’t Have Time For Petty Only Gold
Before Williams cleared the air, her husband Alexis Ohanian jumped on Twitter to address the Super Bowl criticism, writing, “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.”
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. I think I proved 23 times over (not counting 4 gold…
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 17, 2025
While taking up for his wife, Williams didn’t stay quiet for long as she eventually responded, “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.”
If that wasn’t clear enough, Williams revealed what really mattered to her. “I think I proved 23 times over (not counting four gold medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty. All love and respect always nothing negative here.”
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)