Stephen A. Smith isn’t one to back down from controversy. The outspoken sports commentator has found himself in hot water once again after making comments about Serena Williams’ surprise Super Bowl halftime appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar. Now, he’s clapping back at critics who claim he overstepped.
As Hollywood Unlocked previously reported, Serena stunned fans when she hit the stage and did the Crip Walk while Kendrick performed his viral diss track, “Not Like Us,” aimed at Drake. While many celebrated the moment, Stephen A. Smith took issue with Serena’s involvement, questioning her husband, Alexis Ohanian’s reaction.
“If I’m your husband, I’m thinking, ‘Why are you up there trolling him—trolling your ex?’” Smith said during the Feb. 10 episode of First Take. “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. What you worried about him for—and you with me?”
Serena Williams Addresses Super Bowl Appearance: “End Of Story”
The internet erupted with backlash, calling Smith out for inserting himself into Serena’s business. Now, he’s firing back at critics who claim his comments were out of line.
Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down on His Comments
Smith, known for his fiery takes, didn’t take the backlash lightly. Instead of apologizing, he doubled down on his stance, making it clear that he meant what he said.
In a follow-up segment, Smith addressed the controversy head-on, stating:
“I said what I said. If folks got a problem with it, that’s on them. I’m talking about respect in a marriage. If you’re out here doing something that even looks like you’re throwing shade at an ex, I’m just saying—that’s disrespectful to your spouse.”
His stance sparked further debate, with some agreeing that public figures should be mindful of their actions, while others accused him of projecting outdated gender norms onto Serena.
Serena’s Husband, Alexis Ohanian, Responds
Despite the noise surrounding Serena’s Super Bowl appearance, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, remained unbothered. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts, showing unwavering support for his wife.
“Pretty fantastic halftime show,” he wrote, making it clear that he had no issue with Serena’s dance.
Ohanian later added more context, shutting down critics who tried to stir drama.
“Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows… This is bigger than the music.”
His response earned praise, with many calling him a “secure husband” and applauding him for standing by Serena despite the outside noise.
Stephen A. Smith isn’t letting the backlash change his stance. While critics argue he overstepped, Smith remains firm in his opinion that Serena’s Super Bowl moment was inappropriate for a married woman.
But with Alexis Ohanian standing by Serena and shutting down speculation, it seems like this controversy may be over before it even starts.
What do you think? Was Smith out of line, or did he make a valid point? Let us know in the comments!
