Look at Serena Williams Shutting Down the Rumors

The tennis legend says her halftime efficiency with Kendrick Lamar was about Compton delight—not relationship drama.

Serena Williams Addresses Tremendous Bowl Hypothesis

April 16, 2025: Tennis icon Serena Williams is talking out following hypothesis that her shock look throughout Kendrick Lamar’s Tremendous Bowl LIX halftime present was a delicate jab at her ex, Drake. As rumors swirled on-line, followers questioned whether or not her efficiency throughout a track extensively considered as a diss observe towards the rapper was intentional.

However in accordance with Serena, the reply is easy: completely not.

“I Would By no means Do That”

In a current interview, Williams set the document straight. “Completely not,” she stated when requested if her look with Kendrick was aimed toward Drake. “I might by no means try this. And that was unhappy, that anybody would ever assume that.”

She went on to elucidate that regardless of their historical past, she’s at all times maintained a respectful relationship with the rapper. “I’ve by no means had unfavourable emotions in direction of him. We’ve recognized him for therefore a few years.”

A Tribute to Compton, Not a Private Message

Serena emphasised that her involvement within the present wasn’t about anybody else—it was about paying homage to her roots. Like Kendrick Lamar, she grew up in Compton, California, and stated the second was extra about celebrating that shared historical past than making any type of assertion.

SZA and kendrick lamar carry out ‘all the celebs’ on the tremendous bowl pic.twitter.com/XRYaZvbuCm

— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 10, 2025

Combined Feelings In regards to the Efficiency

Whereas the efficiency was a cultural spotlight, Serena admitted to feeling unsure about it afterward. “I don’t know if I remorse it or not,” she stated. She additionally revealed that she took two tequila pictures earlier than happening stage to ease her nerves.

In the meantime… Drake’s reveals in Australia are trying like this ???? pic.twitter.com/FN5cXJKN6q

— Rap Direct (@RapDirect) February 11, 2025

Drake’s Refined Response

Following the halftime present, Drake appeared to vent some frustration throughout one in all his concert events, calling out former flames—together with Serena and SZA, who additionally appeared throughout the efficiency. Although he didn’t point out names straight, followers speculated that it was in response to the Tremendous Bowl second.

Transferring Ahead

Regardless of the drama, Serena stays targeted on her household and her evolving post-tennis life. Just lately named one in all TIME’s 100 Most Influential Individuals, she continues to shine each on and off the court docket—unapologetically herself, as at all times.