When it comes to celebrity relationships, opinions can be as fierce as they are divided. But what happens when a sports commentator’s remarks about a tennis legend’s public appearance spark a heated debate—and her husband steps in to set the record straight? This is exactly what unfolded when Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, confronted Stephen A. Smith over his controversial Super Bowl comments. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the words spoken, but the deeper implications of who gets to judge—and why.
Months after First Take host Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Serena Williams’ surprise halftime cameo during the Super Bowl, where she joined Kendrick Lamar on stage, Alexis Ohanian finally had his say. During his October 9 appearance on First Take, Ohanian didn’t hold back. “Stephen A. Smith, I think you had some marriage advice for me,” he remarked, referencing Smith’s earlier comments suggesting he would divorce Serena over her performance. “Is that right?”
Smith, appearing virtually, quickly backpedaled. “I didn’t,” he insisted. “You know the headlines. We can get into that another time. I ain’t qualified, my brother.” But Ohanian wasn’t letting it go that easily. With a touch of wit and a whole lot of wisdom, he pointed out the irony of Smith’s stance. “I was gonna ask, ‘cause you hadn’t been married before, right?” Ohanian quipped. “I give advice to founders who want to build billion-dollar companies because I’ve done it. I generally try to stay in my lane.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Smith’s original comments, made in February, implied that Serena’s performance was a form of trolling her ex, Drake, and that it reflected poorly on her marriage. “If I’m your husband, I’m thinking, ‘Why are you up there trolling him?’” Smith had said. “If I’m married, and my wife is going to troll her ex—go back to his ass. Because clearly you don’t belong with me.” These remarks sparked a backlash, with many criticizing Smith for policing Serena’s actions. Yet, Smith doubled down, claiming he was simply offering a “man’s perspective.”
Ohanian, however, saw it differently. Far from being critical, he was nothing but proud of his wife. “Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago, and it shows...,” he wrote on X. “This is bigger than the music.” His response not only defended Serena but also highlighted the double standards women, especially women of color, often face in the public eye.
And this is the part most people miss: The debate isn’t just about Serena’s performance or Smith’s comments—it’s about who gets to decide what’s appropriate for someone else’s life. Should a public figure’s spouse be judged for their actions on a global stage? And who qualifies to give that judgment? These questions linger, inviting us to think critically about the lines we draw between personal and public lives.
As for Ohanian, his stance is clear: he stands firmly by his wife, celebrating her achievements and dismissing unwarranted criticism. But what do you think? Was Smith out of line, or does he have a point? Let’s keep the conversation going—because when it comes to relationships, opinions are as diverse as the people in them.
