Taylor Swift is known for making friends with countless A-listers — far beyond her 1989 era “girl squad” — so it would certainly seem strange that one of her celeb friends would openly ignore her at an event, especially one as major as the 2025 Super Bowl. That particularly goes someone like Serena Williams, who has done nothing but praise the pop star for years.
So, what went down? The tennis icon is now explaining why she purposely ignored Swift at the game — and her reasoning comes from a place of genuine care for the Grammy winner.
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On Super Bowl Sunday, Williams famously came out during Kendrick Lamar’s viral halftime show, during which she Crip-walked across the stage, a move that prompted controversy for some and praise from others.
But the halftime show wasn’t the only thing on her mind that February night. She was also eager to get her 7-year-old daughter Olympia an autograph from Swift. (In addition to Olympia, Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian are also the proud parents of 2-year-old daughter Adira.)
“I’m such a mom,” the 23-time Grand Slam champ recently told Time Magazine, joking: “I was ready to go in here myself and be like, ‘Taylor, come get this girl.’”
As for her choice to give Swift her space at the event — the Grammy winner was, of course, on hand to watch boyfriend Travis Kelce play against the Philadelphia Eagles — Williams opted to let Swift have a moment to breathe as the Kansas City Chiefs were losing. (The Chiefs ultimately lost to the Eagles.)
Williams “wanted to respect Swift’s space,” as Time put it. “It’s hard when your team is losing,” Williams explained, speaking from decades of experience. “I totally get it.”
The iconic athlete added: “My husband and I, we’re so in a different space,” she explained. “We’re so connected, we’re so in love, we’re just, like, trying to get our daughter Taylor Swift autographs. And nothing else.”
Williams also defended Swift from the audible, viral boos and jeers she received at the 2025 Super Bowl.
“Why would you boo her?” Williams asked rhetorically. “That’s so mean. That’s just awful.”
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