Serena Williams Shuts Down Drake Shade Rumors Over Super Bowl Dance: ‘Absolutely Not’

Serena Williams has responded to speculation that her Super Bowl performance with Kendrick Lamar was aimed at her ex-boyfriend, Drake.

During the halftime show, Williams did a crip walk while Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a song widely viewed as a diss track directed at Drake.

Because of her history with Drake, many fans assumed the dance was intentional shade.

In a recent interview with Time, Serena shut down those claims, saying, “Absolutely not. I would never do that.”

She added, “It’s sad that anyone would ever think that,” and emphasized she’s “never had negative feelings towards” Drake.

Williams explained the dance was simply a tribute to her hometown of Compton.

She also admitted to taking two shots of tequila before going on stage, hinting the moment wasn’t planned too deeply.

The FCC reportedly received 125 complaints about her performance, with some accusing her of promoting gang activity.

This isn’t the first time she’s faced backlash for the crip walk—she caught similar heat in 2012 after doing it at Wimbledon.

Reflecting on the performance, Williams said, “I don’t know if I regret it or not,” but made it clear it wasn’t about Drake.