The Two Times Serena Williams’ ‘Crip Walk’ Shook The Internet: From Olympic Gold To Super Bowl Controversy

The "Serena Crip Walk" remains one of the most polarizing and talked-about celebrations in modern sports history, a moment that transcended the tennis court and sparked a global conversation about cultural appropriation, identity, and the freedom of expression. As of December 2025, the debate has been reignited, not by a new tennis victory, but by a recent, high-profile cameo during a major televised event, proving the power of that iconic dance move endures over a decade later.

The controversy first erupted following her historic win at the 2012 London Olympics, and it resurfaced with a vengeance during her surprise appearance at a recent Super Bowl Halftime Show. This article dives deep into both instances, exploring the cultural significance of the Crip Walk, the intense public reaction, and how one of the greatest athletes of all time uses a simple dance move to make a profound statement about her roots and identity.

Serena Williams: Biography, Career Highlights, and Legacy

Serena Jameka Williams, born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential athletes in the history of sports. Her career, alongside her sister Venus Williams, revolutionized women’s tennis with a powerful style of play and unparalleled athleticism.

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• Full Name: Serena Jameka Williams
• Born: September 26, 1981 (Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.)
• Career Status: Retired American Professional Tennis Player (Announced retirement in 2022)
• Grand Slam Singles Titles: 23 (An Open Era record)
• World No. 1 Ranking: Held the World No. 1 ranking in singles for 319 weeks, including a joint-record 186 consecutive weeks.
• Olympic Medals: Four Olympic Gold Medals (One in singles, three in doubles with Venus Williams).
• Family: Married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian; mother of two children, Olympia and Adira.
• Other Ventures: Entrepreneur, investor (Serena Ventures), and fashion designer.

The Original Moment: Serena’s Crip Walk at the 2012 London Olympics

The moment that first cemented the "Serena Crip Walk" in public memory occurred on August 4, 2012, at the All England Club in London. Serena Williams had just delivered a stunning performance, defeating Maria Sharapova in straight sets to win the Olympic Gold Medal in women's singles.

The victory was historic, completing the career Golden Slam in singles, a feat only achieved by a handful of players. As the crowd erupted, Williams, overwhelmed with emotion, spontaneously began a celebratory dance on the court.

The Dance That Sparked a Global Debate

The dance she performed was instantly recognized by many as the "Crip Walk" or "C-Walk." The Crip Walk is a street dance that originated in the 1970s among members of the Crip gang in South Central Los Angeles, initially used as a form of expression and communication. Over the decades, it evolved into a popular hip-hop dance move, often seen in music videos and popularized by artists from the West Coast.

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The reaction was immediate and sharply divided. Critics quickly condemned the move, arguing that a dance with historical ties to gang culture and violence was inappropriate for the dignified setting of the Olympic Games. They suggested it tarnished the image of the sport and the global event.

However, many others, particularly within the Black community and hip-hop culture, viewed it as a powerful, authentic expression of Black joy and cultural pride. They defended her right to celebrate her victory with a dance rooted in her community's culture. Notable figures, including rapper Nipsey Hussle, publicly defended Williams, arguing that the dance had transcended its original context and become a part of broader hip-hop culture.

For many, the dance was a moment of unbridled authenticity. Serena Williams, a Black woman who grew up in Compton, California, was celebrating a monumental, history-making achievement on a traditionally white, elite stage (Wimbledon's Centre Court) with a dance from her roots. It was a powerful statement of identity, showing that she could be both a global tennis icon and remain connected to her cultural heritage.

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The Resurgence: Super Bowl LIX Cameo and the Drake Feud Rumor

More than a decade after the Olympic moment, the "Serena Crip Walk" controversy was revived, this time on the world’s biggest non-sporting stage: the Super Bowl Halftime Show. During the recent Super Bowl LIX, Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s performance.

Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us," and the 'Diss Track' Debate

Williams performed the Crip Walk while Kendrick Lamar performed his viral diss track, "Not Like Us." This specific context immediately fueled a new wave of speculation and controversy.

The song "Not Like Us" is a prominent part of a high-profile, public feud between Kendrick Lamar and fellow rapper Drake. The song is a direct jab at Drake, and its lyrics contain references that many listeners associate with the Crip-Blood rivalry and West Coast hip-hop culture.

Because of the song's context, many on social media and in the media speculated that Williams' Crip Walk was a deliberate, public "jab" or "diss" directed at Drake, a figure she had been romantically linked to in the past. The rumor mill suggested her dance was a subtle, yet powerful, move to align herself with the West Coast rap community and against Drake.

Serena’s Response and Alexis Ohanian’s Defense

The renewed controversy prompted a response from Williams herself. In an interview, she shut down the speculation that the dance was targeted at Drake or anyone else. She clarified that her participation was simply because Kendrick Lamar asked her to be a part of the performance.

Her husband, tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, also stepped in to defend his wife against the critics and the "petty" claims. Ohanian is known for staunchly defending Williams against public scrutiny, and he quickly clapped back at critics on social media, further amplifying the debate.

The Super Bowl moment, while brief, served as a powerful reminder of the cultural weight the Crip Walk carries. It demonstrated that even a retired athlete's spontaneous expression can be instantly scrutinized, analyzed, and politicized, especially when it touches on complex issues of race, gang history, and hip-hop feuds.

The Cultural Significance of the Crip Walk and Identity

The enduring fascination with the "Serena Crip Walk" is a testament to its cultural significance. For critics, the dance remains inextricably linked to its violent gang origins, making its performance on global stages inappropriate. They argue that it glorifies a lifestyle that has caused immense suffering in inner-city communities.

However, for proponents, the Crip Walk has evolved into a form of cultural expression that symbolizes West Coast identity and the resilience of Black culture. When a figure like Serena Williams performs it, the meaning shifts. It becomes a reclamation—a move that takes a dance born in a marginalized community and places it in the context of international triumph and success.

Her choice of celebration, both at the 2012 Olympics and the recent Super Bowl, highlights a key theme in her public life: the refusal to conform to the expectations of a predominantly white, elite sport. By embracing the Crip Walk, Serena Williams asserts her full identity, celebrating not just the tennis champion, but the woman from Compton who overcame immense odds to achieve greatness. Her dance is a powerful, non-verbal statement that her success belongs to her, her community, and her culture, regardless of who is watching or judging.

Relevant Entities and Topical Authority

• Serena Williams
• Crip Walk (C-Walk)
• 2012 London Olympics
• Olympic Gold Medal
• Maria Sharapova
• Golden Slam
• Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
• Kendrick Lamar
• "Not Like Us" (Song)
• Drake (Rapper)
• Alexis Ohanian
• Nipsey Hussle
• Compton, California
• Hip-Hop Culture
• West Coast Hip-Hop
• Gang Culture
• Cultural Appropriation
• Venus Williams
• Wimbledon (All England Club)
• Open Era Record
• Serena Ventures
• Black Joy
• Street Dance
• Tennis Singles
• Social Media Controversy