Stephen A. Smith is standing by his recent remarks about tennis legend Serena Williams‘ appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
On Wednesday (Feb. 12), Smith addressed the backlash he received on The Stephen A. Smith Show after commenting on Williams’ public display during the performance.
The Queens, N.Y. native had previously speculated that Williams’ inclusion in Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was retribution for the tennis icon’s fallout with Drake, the target of Kendrick’s chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us.”
Serena Williams performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
“News flash ladies and gentlemen,” Smith began. “First of all, I was playing around, it was a lot of fun. Secondly I didn’t utter a disrespectful word towards Serena Williams, so I don’t know where the whole Serena protection protocol kicks in.”
Smith clarified that his remarks were not aimed at Williams personally, but rather were a broader commentary on gender dynamics. “It was more of a gender issue,” he explained. “What I expressed is exactly what I meant. I’m not apologizing for it. I’m not condoning it either.”
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith reports before Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
Tim Heitman/Getty Images
In his defense, Smith noted the different reactions people have toward men compared to women. “When we see energy expressed in the direction of another dude, even if it is ‘vitriol’ or ‘get back,’ it’s perceived differently,” he said.
Finally, Smith reiterated that no insult was directed at Williams. “Nobody was insulting Serena Williams. I’m simply saying from the male perspective because I thought the males would pick up on it,” he concluded, reaffirming that his commentary was meant to highlight broader social dynamics rather than attack a public figure.
Stephen A. Smith attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIX on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Serena Williams’ presence on the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show stage was widely celebrated, as the Compton native’s crip walking during Lamar performing “Not Like Us” quickly went viral, but also garnered shade and crtiticism, most prominently from Drake himself.
In the days following Kendrick’s performance, Drake posted a photo of himself and Williams’ longtime agent, Jill Smoller, on his alleged Instagram burner account.
Drake attends the Serena Williams Signature Statement by HSN show during Spring 2016 Style360 on September 15, 2015 in New York City.
While the photo was posted without context, the picture was taken in 2015 at an event showcasing Williams’ Signature Collection By HSN during Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week.
Williams herself has remained mum regarding any underlying intent in joining Kendrick onstage, other than revealing that her fellow neighborhood hero personally reached out to her after being inspired by seeing her crip walk at the 2024 Olympics.
See Stephen A. Smith addressing the backlash behind his commentary on Serena Williams’ Super Bowl appearance below.
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