Stephen A. Smith is breaking his silence after fans went viral over a perceived clapback from Alexis Ohanian following Smith’s February comments about Serena Williams’ Super Bowl appearance.
Last week, Ohanian joined ESPN’s First Take while promoting his Athos track & field event. During the segment, he referenced Smith’s earlier take that a spouse dancing to a performance tied to an ex would be grounds to “move on.” Ohanian playfully questioned Smith’s qualifications to offer marriage advice, quipping that he only advises founders on “building billion-dollar companies” because he’s done it himself. Smith acknowledged he wasn’t “qualified” to give Ohanian marriage guidance as the segment wrapped.
Stephen A. Breaks Down the Exchange
After the clip went viral, Smith addressed the situation on The Stephen A. Smith Show, offering his side to fans and viewers.
“Serena Williams, you know, she is married to a millionaire, Alexis Ohanian, and he came on First Take today,” Smith said.
“People are talking about how he came at me, and took a sly dig because of what I said when Serena Williams went on stage performing at the Super Bowl. I’ve never met this man—I wish I was in the studio today, but I’m not. … It would have been nice to meet him. I don’t know the man. I have nothing against him whatsoever.”
Smith clarified that his comments about Serena were about energy and context, not disrespect toward her or her marriage.
“When Super Bowl Sunday took place, when Kendrick Lamar was performing, Serena Williams came on stage, dancing to all of that. According to the reports, and stuff like that, she’s the ex of Drake. Essentially, what I said was, ‘Why that energy for an ex?’ … If that was my wife, I don’t want to see that. Because of that, that’s what he was alluding to. I’m glad that it didn’t escalate or anything like that. He is her husband, he loves her dearly. They have two wonderful children together, and I have absolutely no issue with him whatsoever wanting to address that situation with me.”
Smith Maintains Professionalism Amid Drama
Despite the viral buzz, Stephen A. emphasized his professionalism and refusal to let the exchange escalate.
“I wasn’t going to get into it on national television, I’m a professional,” Smith said.
“If it had escalated and he wanted to get into it more, we [would’ve] kept the cameras rolling and I would’ve said, ‘Fine.’ But he was sitting there saying, ‘You wasn’t married, right?’ So, you know, you give him marital advice, that’s how he framed it. He says, ‘I give advice about building companies because what I do,’ essentially implying that I’m not married so who am I to say something like that? I think that’s a fair comment on his part. I don’t have to agree with it, but I took no offense to it.”
Smith made it clear that there’s mutual respect, and any tension was purely media hype.
Fans React and Social Media Explodes
The segment sparked widespread discussion online, with fans debating whether Smith overreacted or if Ohanian was just playfully throwing shade. Social media quickly exploded with memes, clips, and hot takes, keeping the moment trending for days.
The Takeaway
For viewers, the exchange is a classic example of celebrity commentary meeting sports culture, with a dash of marital advice thrown in. Smith handled it with grace and humor, reaffirming his professionalism while acknowledging Ohanian’s jab.
With Serena Williams’ star power, Alexis Ohanian’s business clout, and Stephen A. Smith’s signature boldness, this is a story that had all the ingredients for viral pop culture drama.
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