Serena Williams was met with mixed responses for her cameo during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show performance at the 2025 Super Bowl, though her husband, Alexis Ohanian, has defended the appearance.

Serena Williams was met with mixed responses for her cameo during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show performance at the 2025 Super Bowl, though her husband, Alexis Ohanian, has defended the appearance.

iturn0image3During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar, performing a dance routine to Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” The track includes lyrics that reference Lamar’s ex-girlfriend, SZA, and his former collaborator, Drake. Williams’ participation in this performance drew mixed reactions from the public.

Critics, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, expressed disapproval of Williams’ involvement, suggesting that her performance was inappropriate given her marriage to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Smith implied that if his wife reacted similarly to an ex, it would reflect poorly on their relationship.

In defense of his wife, Alexis Ohanian took to social media to address the criticism. He highlighted that Williams had faced similar criticism 13 years ago during Wimbledon and emphasized the significance of her performance. Ohanian’s response underscores his support for Williams and her artistic choices.

Williams’ cameo at the Super Bowl halftime show exemplifies the intersection of sports, music, and public perception. While some view her participation as a celebration of artistic collaboration, others question the appropriateness of her involvement in a performance that references her husband’s ex-partner. This incident highlights the complexities celebrities face when navigating personal relationships and public expectations.