Serena Williams Shuts Down Super Bowl Shade Rumors: 'I Would Never Do That to Drake'

Serena Williams is setting the record straight after her viral Super Bowl halftime moment had everyone talking — and speculating. The tennis legend, 43, found herself in the social media spotlight when she busted out the crip walk during Kendrick Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us" at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The catch? The song is a not-so-subtle jab at Lamar’s rival, Drake, who also happens to be Williams’ ex.

The dance itself sparked controversy, with critics citing its gang affiliations, but the real drama unfolded when people started asking if Serena was purposely throwing shade at Drake. Some even questioned why Williams, now happily married with two kids, would stir up old relationship drama on live TV.

Speaking to Time after being named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Williams was crystal clear: her performance was not a dig at Drake. "Absolutely not," she insisted. "I would never do that. And that was sad, that anyone would ever think that. I respect how they could. Obviously, I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years."

Of course, the internet being the internet, opinions flew fast. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith even claimed he’d divorce his wife if she ever "trolled her ex" like that. Williams, unfazed, described Smith’s take as "hilarious" and graciously noted that everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. She was especially impressed by her husband, Alexis Ohanian’s, classy clap-back. Ohanian, a Reddit co-founder, took to social media to remind everyone that Williams had faced similar backlash for the same dance at Wimbledon over a decade ago, calling the moment "bigger than the music."

As for whether she regrets the halftime dance, Williams was refreshingly candid: "I don’t know the answer to that." Sometimes, not knowing is just part of living in the public eye. And really, it’s almost poetic how a dance move can get people more riled up than a championship point.