Serena Williams and Controversies Surrounding Her Crip Walk

Serena Williams recently made headlines at the 2024 ESPY Awards hosted by ESPN, where she not only took a jab at rapper Drake but also performed the controversial crip walk dance associated with California’s West Coast culture. This isn’t the first time the tennis legend has been caught in controversy over this dance move.

#3. London Olympics 2012

During the 2012 London Olympics, Serena Williams celebrated her singles gold medal win with a dominant performance against Maria Sharapova. After her victory, she performed the crip walk on court, explaining it as a dance from the West Coast of California. Her actions sparked criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of the dance given its cultural associations.

#2. Mention in Young Thug’s RICO Trial

The mention of Serena Williams’ crip walk resurfaced during rapper Young Thug’s RICO trial in 2024. His defense brought up Serena’s dance as part of discussing gang-related gestures, highlighting how her public actions can become intertwined with legal proceedings involving hip-hop culture.

#1. Drake Diss at ESPYs 2024

At the 2024 ESPY Awards, Serena Williams not only addressed Drake’s ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar but also performed the crip walk, drawing attention and criticism alike. Her comments and actions were seen as provocative, adding another layer of controversy to her public persona.

These incidents reflect Serena Williams’ complex relationship with the crip walk, a dance she has used to celebrate victories but which has also drawn scrutiny and debate. As a global sports icon and cultural figure, her actions continue to resonate beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions about race, culture, and public perception.