Celebrities Rally Behind Serena Williams After Umpire Issues 'Sexist' Penalty at the U.S. Open
The U.S. Open on Saturday (September 8) took an emotional turn for Serena Williams, who was accused of cheating by chair umpire Carlos Ramos. You can read a rundown of what happened here, but the abridged version is this: Ramos alleged Williams was receiving coaching during the game, which isn’t allowed. Williams denied this and broke her racket in frustration. This resulted in Ramos issuing Williams a point penalty, putting her opponent, Naomi Osaka, just a few serves away from winning the Grand Slam. Williams called Ramos a “thief,” which resulted in another violation for “verbal abuse.” Osaka ultimately ended up winning the tournament.
In the aftermath, celebrities and other fans of Williams showed an outpouring of support for the tennis great after what she and others have called the ‘sexist’ penalties. To be clear, people aren’t necessarily upset that Williams lost the match; in fact, the icon said herself in a post-match press conference she doesn’t know if she would’ve defeated Osaka had the point penalty not happened.
Scroll through for some of the most supportive social media posts celebs and other notable figures have put up to show their solidarity with Williams.
Alicia Keys
“.@serenawilliams You are THE epitome of grace and prowess!!!,” she posted on Twitter. “You are an inspiration to all of us. Your purpose to be a leader and a light is a gift to the world!! We love you and thank you for sharing your greatness and spirit ! Congratulations Queen!!! ??????????✨✨”
Nicki Minaj
Amy Schumer
PHOTO: Instagram
Alicia Keys
Sallie Krawcheck
https://twitter.com/SallieKrawcheck/status/1038592919844909062
Janelle Monáe
Ellen DeGeneres
Roxane Gay
Shonda Rimes
Victoria Azarenka
Hayley Wickenheiser
Reese Witherspoon
Billie Jean King
https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1038613108976168960
Male tennis pros also started to tweet in solidarity with Williams:
James Blake
Andy Roddick
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