Whoopi Goldberg and Stephen A. Smith’s Heated Exchange Over Serena Williams’ Super Bowl Performance
The world of sports and entertainment collided when Whoopi Goldberg stepped into the fray to defend tennis icon Serena Williams against criticism from sports commentator Stephen A. Smith. On a recent episode of The View, Goldberg took issue with Smith’s remarks about Williams’ appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show. The controversy began when Williams, who joined Lamar on stage, performed the Crip Walk dance during his performance of the track Not Like Us, a diss song aimed at rapper Drake. Smith, seemingly unimpressed by the moment, made several pointed comments that Goldberg deemed unfair and out of bounds.
The Crip Walk Controversy and Serena Williams’ Celebration of Black Joy
At the heart of the debate was Serena Williams’ decision to perform the Crip Walk, a dance move deeply rooted in Black culture and often associated with Compton, where Williams grew up. While many viewed the moment as a celebration of Black excellence and a nod to her roots, Stephen A. Smith chose to focus on her personal life, suggesting that her dance was a form of trolling her rumored ex, Drake. Goldberg was baffled by Smith’s line of reasoning, questioning why the conversation couldn’t center on Williams’ talent and achievement instead of outdated gossip. “Why wasn’t it, ‘Damn, Serena was great?’” Goldberg asked, highlighting the double standard faced by Black women in the public eye.
Sunny Hostin’s History Lesson and the Significance of Serena’s Dance
Goldberg’s co-host, Sunny Hostin, added context to the conversation by explaining the historical significance of Williams’ Crip Walk. Hostin noted that Williams had performed the same dance back in 2012 after defeating Maria Sharapova at the Olympics. At the time, the move sparked backlash, with many criticizing her for embracing her cultural roots. Hostin emphasized that Williams’ dance was not just about her personal life or a rivalry but about paying homage to her Compton upbringing and embodying Black joy and excellence. Hostin’s comments served as a reminder that moments like these are about more than just entertainment—they are opportunities to celebrate Black culture and resilience.
Whoopi Goldberg Calls Out Stephen A. Smith for Missing the Point
Whoopi Goldberg continued to critique Stephen A. Smith, calling out his failure to recognize the significance of Serena Williams’ performance. Goldberg pointed out that Williams, a happily married woman, was simply doing something she loved and excelled at. “She got a chance to do something she wanted to do, and she went and did it,” Goldberg said, emphasizing that Williams’ personal life should not overshadow her professional achievements. Goldberg’s comments struck a chord with many viewers, as they highlighted the tendency to reduce successful Black women to their relationships rather than celebrating their accomplishments.
Serena Williams’ Husband Weighs In: A Lesson in Support and Security
Serena Williams’ husband, tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, also joined the conversation, praising his wife’s performance on social media. Ohanian, who has long been a vocal supporter of Williams, called the halftime show “pretty fantastic,” showing pride in her ability to shine on such a grand stage. The View co-host Sara Haines noted that Ohanian’s unwavering support spoke volumes about his confidence and security in their marriage. “My husband would be the one cheering me on the loudest,” Haines said. “I think it says more about the security of the man than the marriage.” The exchange highlighted the importance of having a partner who uplifts and celebrates your achievements, especially in the face of public scrutiny.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrating Black Excellence and Cultural heritage
The debate over Serena Williams’ Super Bowl performance is a microcosm of a larger conversation about how Black women are perceived and celebrated in the public eye. While some, like Stephen A. Smith, chose to focus on negativity and personal drama, others, like Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin, saw an opportunity to honor Williams’ cultural roots and professional achievements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying Black joy and celebrating the ways in which Black culture enriches the world. By choosing to focus on the positive, Goldberg and her co-hosts sent a powerful message about the need to uplift and support Black women in all their endeavors.
