Serena Williams’ appearance at the Fanatics Super Bowl party in New Orleans sparked online discussions about her changing appearance. Wearing a striking pinstriped Alexander McQueen minidress and blazer, paired with blonde hair and red heels, Williams’ fashion choices, as always, drew attention. A short video clip of her arrival at the party, captioned with praise for her aura, ignited a flurry of comments ranging from admiration to speculation about her physique and potential pregnancy. Some fans noted changes in her muscle mass since her tennis career, while others focused on her hair and overall look, with opinions varying widely.

The following day, Williams made an even bigger splash during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show with a surprise appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar. While Lamar performed his song “Not Like Us,” Williams joined him on stage, notably performing a c-walk, a dance move with roots in gang culture that later became popularized in hip-hop. This performance instantly went viral, generating a wide range of reactions online.

The c-walk, originating in Los Angeles in the 1980s as a form of communication among Crips gang members, has a complex history. While it later transitioned into a widely recognized dance style within hip-hop culture, its initial association with gang activity remains a sensitive topic for some. Williams’ performance of the c-walk during the halftime show drew both praise and criticism. Some viewers considered it a highlight of the performance, while others deemed it disrespectful or inappropriate, particularly given its origins.

Reactions on social media were divided, with some fans expressing excitement and admiration for Williams’ presence and dance moves, while others criticized her choice of dance, citing its connection to gang culture. Some comments focused on the perceived disrespect of the move, while others defended her right to express herself. The controversy sparked a broader conversation about the evolution of dance styles, cultural appropriation, and the appropriateness of certain movements in mainstream entertainment.

Following the halftime show, Williams responded to the online buzz with a lighthearted post on social media. She joked about her c-walk, comparing it to a hypothetical infraction at Wimbledon, and reaffirming her excitement about the Super Bowl performance.