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Stephen A. Smith criticizes Serena Williams for Super Bowl LIX halftime show appearance with Kendrick Lamar

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•02/10/25•

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Serena Williams
GREG LOVETT | PALM BEACH POST | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith didn’t think Serena Williams should’ve involved herself in the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX.

On ‘First Take’ on Monday, Smith commented on Williams appearing as a dancer during the performance by Kendrick Lamar – with her specifically appearing during ‘Not Like Us’ as an apparent jab at Drake, a reported ex of hers from several years ago. He didn’t understand why she did that since she’s been married for the past seven-plus years to Alexis Ohanian.

“Well, you could say give her her props but Shannon brought it up so I’m going there, I’m going to be like this,” Smith said. “If I’m your husband, I’m like, ‘Why are you out there dancin’ and, you know, trollin’ your ex?'”

“If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex? Go back to his ass ’cause clearly you don’t belong with me,” Smith said. “What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”

Shannon Sharpe further explained the point during the show’s reaction to the halftime show by Lamar.

“Even if she’s not from Compton, everybody knows her and Drake were together at one point in time. And it’s seeming like everybody wanted to get their lick back on Drake,” Sharpe said.

Williams was on-screen for just a few moments during the song. Still, it was enough to get the internet going as the latest shot by Lamar at Drake as part of this controversy.

Serena Williams appears during halftime show of Super Bowl LIX

Serena Williams made an appearance at the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX.

Williams was seen dancing, specifically doing the crip walk, on stage while Kendrick Lamar was performing ‘Not Like Us.’

Williams doing the crip walk is not new as she did it during her playing career on the tennis court.

Williams also recently did it last year while on stage at the ESPY Awards. At the time, she was taking another shot at Drake, who is still in a feud with Kendrick Lamar following their diss tracks towards one another last year.

After the halftime show, Serena Williams reacted to her part in the performance.

“Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!” Williams tweeted.