Tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian has publicly confronted ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith after the sports commentator made controversial remarks about Ohanian’s wife, Serena Williams.
Smith, during a recent segment on First Take, reportedly compared Williams’ dominance in tennis to current athletes, sparking backlash from fans who viewed his comments as dismissive. Ohanian responded swiftly on social media, accusing Smith of “disrespecting one of the greatest athletes in history” and reminding him of Serena’s enduring impact both on and off the court.
The exchange quickly went viral, reigniting debate over how female athletes are discussed in sports media. Smith later clarified that his remarks were not meant as criticism but “context” about competition levels.
Neither Serena nor ESPN has issued an official statement, but Ohanian’s defense of his wife has drawn wide support online, with fans praising him for “standing up for Serena’s legacy.”
