Tennis Legend’s Husband Confronts ESPN Host Live on Past Remarks

In a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” tensions flared when Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis star Serena Williams, confronted host Stephen A. Smith about his previous comments regarding their marriage. This exchange took place during Ohanian’s guest appearance on the show, which aired on a Thursday.

Confrontation Details

Ohanian brought up Smith’s past remarks during a live segment, asking, “Stephen A. Smith, I think you had some marriage advice for me. Is that right?” Smith appeared taken aback and tried to change the subject by stating, “headlines are headlines. We can get into it another time.” He later expressed his lack of qualifications for giving marital advice, saying, “Oh, no, I am not qualified.”

Ohanian pressed on, highlighting Smith’s lack of marital experience. He remarked, “I was gonna ask ‘cause you hadn’t been married before, right?” Ohanian emphasized that he typically provides guidance based on personal experience, stating, “I generally try to stay in my lane in the advice department.” At this point, host MJ Acosta-Ruiz stepped in to redirect the conversation.

Background of the Controversy

• The exchange was rooted in comments Smith made in February.
• Smith criticized Williams for her appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, where she danced to a diss track directed at rapper Drake.
• Smith questioned why Williams would engage with an ex while being married, stating, “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass.”

In response to these remarks, Williams later clarified in an April interview with Time that her performance had no connection to Drake, categorically denying any significance to the past relationship. She expressed her disappointment that anyone could think otherwise, emphasizing, “Absolutely not. I’ve never had negative feelings towards him.”

This incident highlights the tensions between personal perceptions and public commentary on relationships, particularly in the realm of celebrity culture. Ohanian’s response underlines the importance of respect and understanding in discussing others’ personal lives.