Whoopi Goldberg Slams Stephen A. Smith Over Serena Williams Remarks

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2025 — Whoopi Goldberg addressed recent comments by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith regarding Serena Williams‘ Super Bowl halftime performance, emphasizing that the moment was about Williams, not her past relationship with rapper Drake.

During an episode of ABC’s ‘The View‘ on Tuesday, Goldberg criticized Smith’s remarks made earlier in the week where he suggested Williams’ dance was linked to her ex-boyfriend. “Why wasn’t it, ‘Damn, Serena was great’? Why is it about some ex-boyfriend she hasn’t thought of?” Goldberg questioned.

Goldberg, who is known for her strong opinions, firmly stated, “She got a chance to do something she wanted to do, and she went and did it.” Williams performed the Crip Walk during the Super Bowl, a moment she described as a return to her authentic self and a homage to her roots.

On Monday’s ‘First Take’ podcast, Smith made headlines by stating he would have divorced Williams had she been his wife, accusing her of publicizing her past relationship instead of celebrating her talent. “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass,” he remarked.

Goldberg responded directly to Smith’s comments, asserting that Williams is “happily married” to Alexis Ohanian and that the discussion should focus on her achievements, not her past. “Stop trying to make it about somebody’s man. It ain’t always about somebody’s man. It’s about the person,” she emphasized.

Co-hosts Sara Haines and Sunny Hostin supported Goldberg’s stance, with Haines pointing out that the attention on Williams’ performance reflects more on the insecurities of the men involved rather than on Williams herself.

Williams, who experienced backlash in the past for similar dance moves, later clarified the intent of her performance. “When Kendrick Lamar and team called and was like ‘we’ve been trying to do something forever, what about this?” she explained, reinforcing that the request to perform was an incredible opportunity for her.

Goldberg’s comments reflect a broader conversation about women in sports and their accomplishments often overshadowed by their personal lives. By shifting the focus back to Williams herself, Goldberg advocates for the recognition of female athletes beyond their relationships.