Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam tennis icon, took center stage at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, delivering a monologue that was as dazzling as her on-court performances. With her sharp wit and comedic flair, Williams didn’t hold back, including a controversial joke aimed at Caitlin Clark that set social media abuzz.
Clark, the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and a standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, was the subject of Williams’ humorous yet pointed comment. Praising Clark’s remarkable season, where she was nominated for Best Women’s Athlete, Best Record-Breaking Performance, and Best Women’s College Athlete, Williams then delivered the punchline: “Caitlin Clark had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards. You are the Larry Bird in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana and white people are really crazy about you.”
The comment, intended as a light-hearted jest, struck a chord with fans, eliciting a spectrum of reactions. Some saw the humor, while others felt it crossed a line.
Clark was not at the awards ceremony, as she was engaged in a game with the Fever in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Williams’ monologue spanned various topics, from the high-profile feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, to Shohei Ohtani’s financial troubles with his former interpreter, and the marginalization of women’s sports in the media. Yet, it was the quip about Clark that ignited the most fervent discussions online.
“Serena came out in support of CC but then has to provide cover, you know? And Serena is my fav athlete of all time. Ugh,” one user expressed.
Another fan remarked, “TRYING to be funny and BEING funny are two different things.”
The backlash was swift, with one particularly strong reaction stating, “Shame on you, @serenawilliams. What a disgusting comment. Do better.”
Williams’ blend of praise and humor aimed at Clark intended to celebrate her achievements while drawing a parallel to the legendary Larry Bird. However, the joke’s reception highlighted the delicate balance in comedy and the varied interpretations of its audience.
