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

Serena Williams has found herself in a public dispute with a Parisian hotel after claiming she was denied a table to dine with her family. The incident has sparked outrage and ignited a debate online.

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, August 5, the 23-time Grand Slam champion voiced her frustration with a tweet that caught the eyes of many. "Yikes," Williams 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.

Their message read, "Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight." The statement further clarified that while the rooftop bar was fully booked, the unoccupied tables Williams 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 the tennis legend in the future, expressing, "We have always been honored to welcome you and will always be to welcome you again." They signed off with, "The Peninsula Paris."

The controversy has sparked a wave of online reactions, with fans and critics commenting on Serena's experience at The Peninsula Hotel. Some have come to her defense, criticizing the hotel for its treatment of the tennis superstar. One user asked if bad press was worth turning down Serena and her kids.

Another fan emphasized the need for exceptional treatment, stating, "Make room for the Queen next time, Serena deserves Royal treatment." Another echoed, "It's Serena Williams - you make a table for her!"

While some opined that Serena deserved that table, not everyone agreed. Many argued that the hotel's apology was unnecessary.

"Dear Peninsula Paris, You did not have to do this," one commenter wrote, adding, "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 Williams' 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 Williams' reaction as "entitled" and suggesting she felt "special" because of her fame.

Other 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, Williams 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. Williams 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.

Williams 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, her Parisian adventure is still in full swing.

The same day Williams 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, Williams 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—Williams 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 her 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, Williams' 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, Williams also 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 opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games and Williams' 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, she 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, Williams expressed her awe at the unforgettable experiences she had. She described the day as truly remarkable.

She also noted that she enjoyed participating in the spectacular opening ceremony and had a 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.