Claims of Serena Williams allegedly “Crip Walking” on stage during Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl is going viral on platforms such as Instagram and Reddit.
Serena Williams Super Bowl
Serena Williams, the legendary tennis champion, recently sparked controversy with her alleged Crip Walk cameo on stage during Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl last night, as outlined here on Reddit.
As stated here, Williams reportedly first did the Crip walk in 2012 at Wimbledon which also ignited backlash.
Serena Williams Crip Walk
The Crip Walk, a dance associated with the notorious Crips street gang, drew attention for reasons that go beyond entertainment. Williams’ half-sister, Yetunde Prince, tragically lost her life in 2003 when she was supposedly killed in a gang-related shooting. Reports online indicate that the shooter was allegedly linked to the Crips, making the display particularly sensitive. The sight of a celebrated athlete, whose family has directly experienced the violence tied to gang culture, performing a dance associated with that same culture raised eyebrows and sparked debate about its appropriateness.
She reportedly took to the platform X afterward to explain her dance.
Serena Williams Drake
Additionally, Williams’ involvement in the halftime show was not without its own controversy. She previously dated rapper Drake, whose long-standing feud with Kendrick Lamar has been widely publicized. As outlined on Reddit, Drake and Serena dated over a decade ago, with him last attending her matches in 2015. Shortly after, Williams reportedly met her husband, Alexis, and they married. Over the years, Drake has supposedly dissed both Williams and Alexis in multiple songs, even calling Alexis a “groupie” in one of them.
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl 2025
Lamar and Drake’s animosity has been a subject of public discussion, and some fans questioned Williams’ role in a performance that seemed to be surrounded by such tensions. The combination of her personal history and the potential for drama between the artists involved led to a divided public reaction.
While some saw Serena’s participation as a celebration of her unique talents and ability to transcend her personal history, others felt the events surrounding the performance created an uncomfortable contrast between entertainment and serious real-world issues. The controversy highlights how personal history, public image, and entertainment often collide in unexpected ways.
What are the biggest stories trending online today? Read the latest here
Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: Reddit