Alexis Ohanian Claps Back at Stephen A. Smith Over Super Bowl Comments

New York, NY — Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis champion Serena Williams, confronted ESPN host Stephen A. Smith during his appearance on the show “First Take” on October 9. Ohanian’s remarks came eight months after Smith made controversial comments about Williams’ performance during the Super Bowl halftime show.

In February, Smith suggested that Ohanian should consider divorcing Williams after she appeared alongside Kendrick Lamar, who performed a diss track aimed at Drake, a rapper with whom Williams had a past relationship. Smith’s comments received backlash, as he implied that Williams’ presence on stage was an act of “trolling” her ex-boyfriend. He stated, “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass. Because clearly you don’t belong with me.”

During the recent episode of “First Take,” Ohanian addressed Smith’s past remarks. “I think you had some marriage advice for me, is that right?” Ohanian inquired sarcastically. Smith quickly backtracked, saying, “Oh, I am not qualified. Martial advice? Oh no, not me.”

Ohanian then added, “You hadn’t been married before, right? Because I give advice to plenty of founders who want to build billion-dollar companies. And the reason I do that is because I build billion-dollar companies. So, I generally try to stay in my lane in the advice department.” His retort suggests that Smith, who has never been married, lacks the credibility to give relationship advice.

Williams and Ohanian married on November 16, 2017, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Alexis Olympia, and welcomed a second daughter, Adira River, in August 2023. Despite the criticisms from Smith, Ohanian has openly supported Williams, even sharing on social media that her Super Bowl performance was “fantastic.”

Smith, who continued to defend his original comments, stated his viewpoint was based on a man’s perspective. However, Ohanian’s calculated response highlighted a significant point about relationship dynamics and advice.