Serena Williams Responds to Weight Loss Drug Ad Controversy with Pole Dancing Display
Tennis icon Serena Williams has publicly showcased her pole dancing abilities, directly following significant criticism of her involvement in a controversial weight loss drug advertisement. The 44-year-old athlete, who holds an impressive 23 Grand Slam titles, faced substantial backlash after promoting a GLP-1 medication through telehealth company Ro during a Super Bowl commercial.
Super Bowl Ad Sparks Widespread Disapproval
The legendary champion featured in a teaser advertisement that aired ahead of the full commercial during Super Bowl LX, partnering with Ro to advocate for weight loss solutions. In the advertisement itself, which appeared during the first half of the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, Williams was depicted administering the weight loss injection via the company's mobile application.
Public reaction was swift and largely negative, with numerous fans expressing disappointment across social media platforms. One critic described the advertisement as 'disgusting', accusing Williams of 'pushing weight loss drugs', while another lamented that 'we're cooked' because the 'greatest tennis player of all time is on Ozempic'.
Instagram Pole Dancing Demonstration
Undeterred by the controversy, Williams took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to share a video clip demonstrating her pole dancing prowess. The sports legend lifted herself gracefully on the pole, captioning the footage: 'I'm back to training on my 2 favorite devices.' She added the phrase 'back at it', clearly referencing her return to physical training activities.
This visual display highlighted her transformed physique, which she attributes to her use of the GLP-1 medication. Williams became an official sponsor for Ro last year after revealing she had lost over 30 pounds within a single year through using their pharmaceutical product.
Weight Loss Journey and Medical Benefits
In the controversial commercial, Williams detailed multiple health improvements beyond mere weight reduction. She reported decreased knee joint stress, stabilized blood sugar levels, and lowered cholesterol readings as significant benefits from the treatment.
The tennis star initially disclosed her use of weight loss medication in August 2025, explaining to People magazine that she turned to pharmaceutical assistance after giving birth to her second child. She described persistent struggles to return to her target weight despite rigorous training and healthy eating habits.
'I never was able to get to the weight I needed to be no matter what I did, no matter how much I trained,' Williams confessed. 'It was crazy because I'd never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy and could never get down to where I needed to be at.'
Personal and Professional Context
Williams began using the weight loss drug in 2024 after concluding breastfeeding for her youngest daughter, Adira River Ohanian, who was born in August 2023. The athlete and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are also parents to eight-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.
'I had never taken shortcuts in my career and always worked really hard. I know what it takes to be the best,' Williams emphasized regarding her decision. 'So it was very frustrating to do all the same things and never be able to change that number on the scale or the way my body looked.'
Notably, Alexis Ohanian serves as both an investor in Ro and a member of its corporate board. Williams specifically credited the GLP-1 provider for her physical transformation, stating she lost over 31 pounds and now feels 'great', 'really good and healthy', with sensations of being 'light physically and light mentally'.
Commercial Details and Public Anticipation
The advertisement also revealed that Ro is developing a new pill-form version of their medication, with Williams shown placing another order through their mobile application. This product innovation was presented alongside her personal testimonial about the treatment's effectiveness.
Prior to the commercial's airing, speculation had mounted that Williams might announce a surprising return to professional tennis during her Super Bowl appearance. Instead, fans encountered the weight loss drug promotion, leading to widespread expressions of dissatisfaction across digital platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
The pole dancing demonstration represents Williams' latest public response to the ongoing controversy, showcasing her commitment to physical fitness while indirectly addressing criticism of her pharmaceutical endorsement.
