Serena Williams crip walk at the 2025 Super Bowl made headlines across the globe — not just because she’s a tennis legend, but because the move itself carries a deep, complicated history. Fans were stunned when the 23-time Grand Slam champion dropped into a smooth, confident crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” a high-profile diss track aimed at Drake. But this wasn’t the first time Williams shocked the world with the iconic dance. Back in 2012, she pulled off the same move during her Olympic win, and the internet didn’t take kindly to it. So, what’s the story behind Serena Williams and the crip walk? Why did she do it again at the Super Bowl, and what does it really mean? Let’s break it all down.
Williams’ history with the crip walk goes back over a decade. During the 2012 London Olympics, after a dominant victory, she celebrated with a spontaneous crip walk — a move that, while widely recognized in hip-hop culture, also has roots tied to gang culture in Compton, where both Serena and Kendrick Lamar were born. The moment went viral, but not everyone was impressed. Some critics argued that the move glamorized gang violence, and the backlash was intense. Yet, when she did it again during the 2025 Super Bowl, the reaction was more mixed. Some fans thought it was a bold statement, while others questioned why a global icon would bring such a controversial dance to the spotlight once more.
At the heart of this story is a fascinating blend of sports, culture, and identity. Serena Williams, a Black woman born in Compton, has always been more than just a tennis player. Her moves — on and off the court — have often sparked conversations about race, representation, and the lines between celebration and symbolism. The 2025 Super Bowl performance wasn’t just a random appearance; it was a carefully chosen moment during Black History Month, featuring a fellow Compton native in Kendrick Lamar. So, what was Serena trying to say with the crip walk? And why did it matter so much this time around?
Table of Contents
- Who Is Serena Williams?
- What Is the Crip Walk and Where Did It Come From?
- Serena’s First Crip Walk in 2012
- Serena’s Surprise Crip Walk at the 2025 Super Bowl
- The Meaning Behind the Crip Walk Dance
- How Did the Public React to Serena’s Move?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Serena Williams?
Serena Williams is more than just one of the greatest tennis players of all time — she’s a cultural icon, entrepreneur, mother, and advocate for women’s rights and equality. Born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, Serena grew up in Compton, California, where she and her sister Venus began training on public courts under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams.
Over the course of her career, Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, making her the most successful player in the Open Era. She’s also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, all with her sister Venus. Off the court, Serena has launched her own fashion line, invested in tech startups, and become a vocal advocate for Black women in sports and business.
| Name | Serena Williams |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | September 26, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Saginaw, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Tennis player, entrepreneur, fashion designer |
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 23 |
| Grand Slam Doubles Titles | 14 (with Venus Williams) |
| Spouse | Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit) |
| Daughter | Olympia Ohanian |
What Is the Crip Walk and Where Did It Come From?
The crip walk, or “cripple walk,” is a dance move that originated in the 1970s in Los Angeles, specifically among members of the Crips gang. The move involves intricate footwork that, when done correctly, mimics the movement of someone dragging a foot — a reference to the gang’s name. Over time, the dance evolved from its gang-related roots and became a staple in hip-hop culture.
Artists like Ice-T and later hip-hop acts in the 1980s and 1990s popularized the crip walk in music videos and performances. By the 2000s, it had become a mainstream dance move, often used by rappers and celebrities without any gang affiliations. Still, the origins of the crip walk remain controversial, and its use has sparked debates about cultural appropriation and respect for the history behind the movement.
So, when Serena Williams did the crip walk in 2012 and again in 2025, she wasn’t just doing a cool dance — she was tapping into a complex cultural history that many people still find sensitive today.
Serena’s First Crip Walk in 2012
Back in 2012, Serena Williams was at the peak of her career. She won the Wimbledon title that year and followed it up with a gold medal at the London Olympics. After her Olympic victory, Williams celebrated by doing the crip walk on the court — a move that quickly went viral.
But not everyone saw it as a fun celebration. Some critics argued that the dance was inappropriate for the setting, saying it glamorized gang violence. The backlash was swift and intense. Serena later addressed the controversy, explaining that she grew up in Compton and saw the crip walk as a part of her culture, not necessarily as a gang symbol.
Still, the incident showed how powerful and polarizing symbolism can be — especially when it comes to dance moves with deep cultural roots. Serena’s 2012 crip walk was seen by some as a bold cultural statement, and by others as a misstep in a high-profile moment.
Serena’s Surprise Crip Walk at the 2025 Super Bowl
Fast forward to 2025, and Serena Williams made another unexpected appearance — this time at the Super Bowl. During Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance of his new track “Not Like Us,” a clear diss aimed at Drake, Serena joined him on stage. For a few seconds, she broke into a smooth crip walk, and the internet exploded once again.
The performance was a major moment for several reasons. First, it was during Black History Month, which added an extra layer of meaning to the collaboration. Second, both Serena and Kendrick are from Compton, making the crip walk feel like a nod to their shared roots. And third, the dance came during a high-profile moment in a song that was already generating massive buzz.
So, was this a calculated cultural move or just a fun dance? Well, that’s exactly what fans and critics have been debating ever since.
The Meaning Behind the Crip Walk Dance
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what the crip walk means. For some, it’s just a dance — a fun, rhythmic move that’s been embraced by hip-hop culture. For others, especially those familiar with its origins, it’s a symbol of identity, pride, and even protest.
Serena’s decision to do the crip walk in 2012 and again in 2025 could be seen as a way to connect with her roots. Growing up in Compton, she was surrounded by the culture that gave birth to the dance. In that sense, her performance of the move might have been less about politics and more about personal expression.
Still, in a world where every action is scrutinized, especially when it comes from someone as visible as Serena Williams, the meaning behind the move is anything but simple. Some fans believe it was a show of solidarity with Kendrick Lamar, who’s known for his socially conscious lyrics. Others think it was just a spontaneous moment of joy — a way to celebrate being on stage during one of the biggest musical performances of the year.
How Did the Public React to Serena’s Move?
As expected, the public reaction was mixed. Some fans loved the crip walk moment, calling it iconic and praising Serena for embracing her heritage. Others, however, were quick to criticize, saying the move was inappropriate for the setting and that Serena should’ve been more mindful of its origins.
On social media, the video of Serena crip walking during the Super Bowl went viral. Memes, hot takes, and deep dives into the history of the dance flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Some users pointed out that Serena’s performance was a reminder that the crip walk has evolved beyond its gang origins and is now a part of mainstream pop culture.
Still, others argued that it’s not that simple. They said that even if the dance has become popular, it still carries historical weight — and that public figures should be aware of what they’re representing when they use such symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Serena Williams do the crip walk at the Super Bowl?
Serena Williams performed the crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. While she hasn’t given an official statement, many believe it was a cultural nod to her roots in Compton, where the dance originated. It also came during Black History Month, adding another layer of meaning to the moment.
Has Serena Williams done the crip walk before?
Yes. Serena first did the crip walk in 2012 after winning a gold medal at the London Olympics. That moment also went viral and sparked controversy, with some critics saying the dance glamorized gang violence. Serena defended the move, stating it was part of her cultural background.
Is the crip walk offensive?
The crip walk has a complex history. Originally associated with the Crips gang, it’s been controversial. However, over the years, it has become a mainstream dance move used in hip-hop and pop culture. Whether it’s offensive depends on the context and the person’s intent. In Serena Williams’ case, many believe it was a cultural celebration rather than a disrespectful act.
Learn more about Serena Williams' journey and her impact on and off the court here.
