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Will Serena Williams’ Celebratory ‘Crip Walk’ Hurt Her Image?

Aug. 5, 2012 6:27pm
Serena Williams Crip Walk Dance After Beating Maria Sharapova in Tennis Singles Draws Controversy | London 2012 Olympics

Serena Williams of the United States serves against Maria Sharapova of Russia during the gold medal match of the Women's Singles Tennis. (Photo: Getty Images)

Serena Williams gave a masterful performance at the London 2012 Olympics Sunday, beating Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 for the singles gold.

Barely able to contain her excitement, it seems, Williams broke into a “crip walk” made popular by gang members in her hometown of Compton, California in the 1970′s.

According to the Washington Post, MTV actually banned videos featuring the dance at one point because of its association with violence and murder, but it has become more mainstream in recent years.

Though the dance was brief, Serena managed to stir up quite a bit of controversy for how she expressed her excitement.

Here is video:

Fox Sports wrote:

She was in the city of kings and queens. People were sipping champagne and eating strawberries and cream. And Serena Williams had just ascended to the throne of tennis, becoming the second woman after Steffi Graf to win all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold in singles.

[...]

And there was Serena — the tennis legend, the winner of 14 individual Grand Slams, the best player of her generation, the American girl being crowned at the All-England Club as the queen of tennis — Crip-Walking all over the most lily-white place in the world.

Blogger Debbie Schlussel added: “Yup, that’s what we need representing America, a Gold Medalist who, upon winning, glorifies hardened criminals who murder each other — and innocent Americans — for sport.”

Serena Williams Crip Walk Dance After Beating Maria Sharapova in Tennis Singles Draws Controversy | London 2012 Olympics

Silver medalist Maria Sharapova of Russia and gold medalist Serena Williams of the United States pose on the podium. (Photo: Getty Images)

But Yahoo sports counters:

Relax, everyone. This makes it seem like Serena crip-walked away from the Queen after stealing the crown jewels. She broke out the dance for three seconds, while looking at her sister sitting in the player’s box! It’s a dance move, not a political statement…

Serena looked at Venus after the move. It was like they were sharing a “can you believe we’re here — two sisters from the inner-city — standing on Centre Court, both gold medal winners at the Olympics?” moment. She was representing. She did a dance move originated in her hometown while representing the United States. How is this wrong?

And Washington Post blogger Clinton Yates volunteered:

Frankly, there was a certain part of me that loved what Williams did. It was one of those subtle moments of celebration that was inclusive and illustrative of her unique upbringing, no matter how complicated that upbringing may be to the outside world.

Williams later told reporters that she didn’t plan the dance, saying: “I didn’t know what else to do. I was so happy, and next thing I know I started dancing and moving. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”

Do you think the dance will hurt the tennis champion’s image, or was it all blown out of proportion?

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (353)

1 2 3 … 10
  • Walkabout
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:13pm

    Plant or not you are just plain stupid.

    Report this comment

    Walkabout  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:12pm

    Why would you insinuate that? Why would/should anyone save it for any place?

    Gangs don’t belong in the ghetto or place.

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • lillymckim
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:11pm

    I personally don’t see anything wrong with it. She was just dancing she won 6-0, 6-1 she kicked butt! Serena was happy and I was happy for her and the USA!

    Report this comment

    lillymckim  
    • Gumbercules
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:44pm

      You don’t see anything wrong with it because you probably haven’t had any friends or family killed by crips – trying being less ignorant . . .

      Report this comment

      Gumbercules  
    • snidelywhiplash
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:53am

      Gumbercules, the Crip Walk is a dance that’s been popular for a number of years with people far outside of the South-Central-LA gang scene.

      Report this comment

      snidelywhiplash  
  • MidwestRay
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:08pm

    I just think she was excited to win and got caught up in the moment. Nothing intentional, and no meaning….just some excitement with a little celebration. I may be wrong, but that’s how I see it.

    Report this comment

    MidwestRay  
  • thop1960
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:06pm

    I like how people on both sides of this issue think they know what was in the mind of Serena, it’s rather humorous. She may be a crip, she may be just be revealing her upbringing in an innocent, albeit inappropriate moment. Either way, it was kind of stupid the way she reacted…wait, I sound like our President now? Anyone notice that the American flag fell to the ground at her medal ceremony? Not sure who was making a statement there, Serena or some Brit?

    Report this comment

    thop1960  
    • TAXEVERYONE
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Agreed.

      Report this comment

      TAXEVERYONE  
    • Worried Citizen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:34am

      She also laughed at her opponent after the win in a mocking way, although no one seems to have picked up on that. I think it was unsportsmanlike to do the “crip walk”! As for the flag falling, I think God had something to say about how she acted!!

      Report this comment

      Worried Citizen  
    • Zipit
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:12am

      It is the Olympics! It is certre court, and you just won the gold medal!!! And, you are a professional for God sakes! Show a little flipping CLASS!!!!!!!!!

      Report this comment

      Zipit  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:05pm

    Thanks for explaining what that was. Like me, I doubt many in the crowd would have connected that little jig with gang activity. I believe her that she didn’t plan it, it just came out, and let’s cut her some slack. She’s had some ugly moments on the tennis court, and I am not a great fan of her grace as a sportswoman, but this was not worthy of getting upset about.

    Report this comment

    wordweaver  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:05pm

    I still cannot recall anyone ever verifying that a “sex” verification of this individual has been done. “She” still looks mannish to me. Oh well, guess I just like women to look feminine.

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report this comment

    garbagecanlogic  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:03pm

    I have to agree with Mr. Slizzie but does Mr.Slap Me have multiple personality syndrome? How is he a “fools”. I would think he would be a fool.

    Anyway…

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • barber2
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:03pm

    She played so well. Too bad it had to end in ” controversy.”

    Report this comment

    barber2  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:02pm

    “crip-walk”, WTF? We are now celebrating gangs?

    Report this comment

    OlefromMN  
  • 19sleep19
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:01pm

    Just a dance. Calm down, people.

    Report this comment

    19sleep19  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:09pm

      There are so many ways to dance or whatever to show how joyful you are & none of them are associated with murder/violence.

      Ya, just a dance! Whatever

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Paulhgreenbay
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:37pm

      Lilly white liberal apologist oblivious to the barbarians at the gates.

      Report this comment

      Paulhgreenbay  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:58pm

    Wow. How do you justify you blatantly racist comment?

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:56pm

    Oh yeah don’t you know this is why the Lord made the earth, so people can drool over tennis players, and the tennis players can get meat from your attention.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:55pm

    Why would you want that sir? Could you explain?

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • TheAngel
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pm

    With all that is going on in the world right now who cares about a dance that a tennis player did? I could not care less. If it was meant to be a racial statement let it go, don’t fall into that ditch.

    Report this comment

    TheAngel  
  • eramthgin
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pm

    Again she demonstrates that she has NO CLASS!

    Report this comment

    eramthgin  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:51pm

    Look in the mirror buddy.

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • Slizzie
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:48pm

    You’re trash for leaving a comment like this. This is not about representing gangs and violence. It’s just a dance. Ignorant fools!!

    Report this comment

    Slizzie  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:11pm

      It isn’t “just a dance”. A waltz is just a dance. What she did means something else and you know it! There were thousands of dance moves she could have done, but she chose one that a very violent gang has popularized. Period!

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
    • canadianlady
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:52pm

      I agree with you. I think it also cheapens the event.

      Report this comment

      canadianlady  
    • snidelywhiplash
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:59am

      Like many things, the Crip Walk took on a life of its own divorced from the original meaning and intent. IT’S…JUST…A….DANCE STEP.

      Report this comment

      snidelywhiplash  
    • Stark Industries
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:11pm

      …. and a clenched fist in the air is a salute to all of us at home to ‘fight the power’. Jeez. Where has all the elegance and tridition in sport gone? ~ Stark

      Report this comment

      Stark Industries  
  • justangry
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:47pm

    LOL, OK Mr. Bunker.

    Report this comment

    justangry  
  • The-Real-Enrico
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:44pm

    While I don’t think she was intentionally celebrating gangs and the crips, this was in poor taste and she should have known better.

    How dumb can you be to imitate a violent & murderous gang sign/signal at international stage representing your country?

    She should apologize and denounce these gangs and gang culture.

    Crips & violent gangs do not deserve any respect and not be emulated.

    Report this comment

    The-Real-Enrico  
  • lordamercy
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:42pm

    “Didn’t plan it….just started moving…” And a crip dance was the first move that occured to her?

    Report this comment

    lordamercy  
    • The-Real-Enrico
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pm

      Yeah… I don’t think that was a good response.

      She going to have a fun time trying to walk this back. Can I get a rim shot?

      Report this comment

      The-Real-Enrico  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:45pm

      I would have done the Icky Shuffle personally.

      Report this comment

      Dan_o  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:13pm

      Absolutely. VERY bad taste. THAT “dance”. Really??!!! I saw that and lost all respect that I had. Yes, young kids DO look up to her, . . . and as I see it [now], that is a shame. Play well, . . . compete in the olympics, win gold, . . . . . but give a shout out to the gang culture who thrive on violence, drugs, and racism.

      Report this comment

      DeavonReye  
  • justangry
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:40pm

    Nah, it looks like it was all done in fun. I’m glad she won even though Sharapova is a doll baby.

    Report this comment

    justangry  
    • The-Real-Enrico
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:49pm

      I agree but she shouldn’t imitate gang culture and signs at a national or international stage representing USA. It was in poor taste.

      I’m glad she won though. I’m a fan of hers. Again it was just in poor taste and sends the wrong type of signals.

      Report this comment

      The-Real-Enrico  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:02pm

      The only thread I want to reply to. I agree, Serena and Venus are great role models for all young people. She was happy and played a wonderful match. As for the Kings and Queens remark in the story, Brits, your papers trash the monarchy on a daily basis, don’t act like “We Trashy Americans” soiled Wimbleton with a dance. This is the same country that gave us “Scary Spice”, Julie Brown, Gary Glitter, and Blood Pudding.

      I would like to reply to Britian with one of their own Soccer chants:

      If your country has been to the moon, Stand Up.

      : crickets :

      Report this comment

      Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:40pm

    Wow that’s incredible, that Serena Williams is just an amazing tennis player. I wouldn’t want to trouble people minds with Jesus being en-route for an earthly rendezvous, the world financial system on the verge of collapse, aliens coming from other worlds, or the Father being on earth. No, lets talk about tennis.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • copatriots
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:33pm

    A lunatic killed six people in Wisconsin today.

    Report this comment

     
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:30pm

    looked like a new version of the hokey pokey.

    Report this comment

    Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
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