Serena Williams, 42, Slammed for Acting ‘Entitled’ While Trying to Dine in Paris amid the Olympics

Tennis legend Serena Williams recently took to X to air her grievances about a Parisian five-star hotel, The Peninsula. This was after she was denied entry to their rooftop restaurant—even though it was empty.

On Monday, 5, the 23-time Grand Slam champion voiced her frustration with a tweet that caught the eyes of many. “Yikes,” Serena began. “@peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in a empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first.”

To drive her point home, she even posted a photo of the hotel’s sign for her followers to see exactly which establishment was the center of her complaint. In response, The Peninsula Hotel issued a public apology on X stating, “Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight.”

They clarified that while the rooftop bar was fully booked, the unoccupied tables she saw were part of their gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also at full capacity.

Not letting the matter rest, the hotel further tweeted their eagerness to continue welcoming Serena in the future, expressing, “We have always been honored to welcome you and will always be to welcome you again.” They signed off with a courteous nod, “The Peninsula Paris.”

The controversy has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans and critics alike weighing in on Serena’s experience at The Peninsula Hotel. Many supporters have come to her defense, criticizing the hotel for its treatment of the tennis superstar.

One user passionately declared, “It’s Serena and her kids. You go to the supply room, grab a table and chairs, and march them out to a beautiful spot!” They urged the hotel to prioritize customer satisfaction over excuses, questioning, “Is this worth the bad press you’re about to receive?”

Another fan emphasized the need for exceptional treatment, stating, “Make room for the Queen next time, Serena deserves Royal treatment.” Similarly, someone else chimed in, “It’s Serena Williams – you make a table for her!” However, not everyone agreed with Serena’s stance. Some users argued that the hotel’s apology was unnecessary.

“Dear Peninsula Paris, You did not have to do this,” one commenter wrote, suggesting, “Thank you for keeping regular customers’ reservations instead of caving in to an entitled celebrity’s grifting complaint on social media. She should have made a reservation like everyone else.”

Others took a different angle, questioning the notion that Serena’s celebrity status should have granted her special treatment. “Wait, are we really telling this place that because she’s a celebrity they should have figured it out?” one user asked, labeling Serena’s reaction as “entitled” and suggesting she felt “special” because of her fame.

Another critic remarked, “There is literally nothing more entitled than walking into @peninsulaparis during tourist season and the Olympics, expecting a table to be ready for you.” Comments ranged from “You shouldn’t have to apologize” to “Stop acting like a DIVA,” reflecting a spectrum of opinions on the matter.

Despite the recent controversy, Serena is continuing to enjoy her time in Paris and soaking up the Olympic spirit. On Tuesday, August 6, the retired tennis player was spotted at the Equestrian Games competition.

She dazzled in a matching white outfit alongside her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Serena completed her chic look with a beige fedora to shield herself from the sun. Both she and her daughter finished off with stylish black sunglasses.

Serena kept her fans in the loop by sharing a glimpse of the event on her Instagram Stories, giving her followers an exclusive peek into the excitement of the games. It seems that while the hotel disaster might have been a hiccup, Serena’s Parisian adventure is still in full swing.

The same day Serena complained about the hotel, she also treated her fans to photos of her Paris escapades, showing her effortless charm. Dressed to impress in chic black biker shorts and coordinating shoes, Serena exuded effortless elegance. But it was her sleeveless shirt dress, with its daring slits at the front, that truly stole the show.

She shared the beautiful snapshots with her millions of fans, who couldn’t help but admire the tennis star. The first snap was a masterpiece of poise—Serena striking a confident pose with one hand perched on her waist, her gaze firmly fixed on the camera.

The minimal accessories, highlighted by a shiny bracelet, perfectly complemented her look. The final photo zoomed in on Serena’s blonde locks, styled to perfection, with her nude lipstick adding just the right touch of glamour.

Her caption was as charming as her appearance: “Walking in Paris … no one makes me feel the way you do 🥰.” As with any striking post, Serena’s photos sparked quite the buzz.

Fans couldn’t help but notice her noticeable weight loss, leading to a flurry of comments and speculation. Admirers were quick to shower her with praise, noting her transformation with enthusiastic remarks.

“You definitely thinning!! Looking fabuleuse[sic],” one admirer gushed, while another celebrated, “You lost all the baby weight. And slaying🔥.”

On July 27, amid the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Serena captivated everyone with her elegant presence. She took to X to share a series of stunning photos featuring her in a striking red midi dress that perfectly accentuated her figure.

These photos were taken during the Olympic opening ceremony, and Serena’s ensemble was the highlight of the evening. Her makeup was flawless, enhancing her natural beauty, while her curly blonde waves added a touch of glamour.

To complement her dress, Serena carried a small red handbag that made a bold statement. She completed her outfit with sharp-pointed brown heels that added a chic edge to her look.

In her caption on X, Serena expressed her awe at the unforgettable experiences she had. She described the day as truly remarkable.

Serena also noted that she enjoyed participating in the spectacular opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics to the memorable boat ride in the pouring rain, which was so intense that it even caused her lashes to come off.

Serena Williams conveyed her sense of wonder and excitement, emphasizing how the entire experience was unforgettable. Her presence at the event turned heads and became a focal point of the ceremony.