Stephen A. Smith has criticized Serena Williams for her cameo appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance. Lamar used the platform to jab at rival rapper Drake, referencing details from nearly a decade ago when Williams was briefly linked to Drake in 2015.
Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little! ???????? pic.twitter.com/MxEZTl7NUv
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 10, 2025
On ESPN’s “First Take” Monday morning, Smith expressed his disapproval of Williams’ involvement, suggesting it was inappropriate given her current marital status. “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a–,” Smith said. “Cause clearly you don’t belong with me.
Williams, now married to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, started dating him shortly after her rumored fling with Drake. Ohanian publicly applauded Williams’ Super Bowl performance, tweeting, “Pretty fantastic halftime show” on Sunday evening.
This superbowl is wild not sure who to root for??
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 9, 2025
“What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
Serena Williams makes surprise cameo in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime showhttps://t.co/ivFfI4fVGK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) February 10, 2025
Smith questions Williams’ Super Bowl role
Smith’s comments have sparked a conversation about the appropriateness of Williams’ cameo, given her current relationship. The debate continues on social media as fans and critics weigh in on the matter. Smith’s co-host Ryan Clark responded humorously to his statement, saying, “If you were with Serena Williams, you’re going to be a kept man anyways. Don’t start that.”
The performance also featured SZA, who has a history with Drake, adding another layer to the two rappers’ ongoing rivalry. The beef traces back to 2013, when Lamar released his now-iconic verse on “Control,” which boldly called out several high-profile rappers, including Drake. Meanwhile, during his “Anita Max Win” tour in Melbourne, Australia, Drake took a few jabs at his exes, including Williams and SZA, before their Super Bowl appearance.
“If you’re doing better than your ex, turn up to this song!” he declared before launching into his track, “You Broke My Heart.”
With everyone watching, the next moves from both rap superstars and the ongoing discussion about celebrity relationships and public appearances are highly anticipated.
