Serena Williams, the renowned tennis champion, recently shared an unexpected experience at a high-end Parisian hotel. The incident, which occurred on August 6, 2024, involved the athlete and her family allegedly being denied access to the hotel's rooftop restaurant.
Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, expressed her disappointment on social media. Her post, which reached over 4 million viewers, stated:
"Yikes @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"
The Peninsula Paris, a five-star establishment known for its gourmet restaurant offering views of the Eiffel Tower, promptly responded with an apology. They explained that their rooftop bar was fully booked, and the unoccupied tables belonged to their fully reserved restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc.
This incident sparked varied reactions from the public. Some supporters argued that accommodations should have been made for the tennis star, while others maintained that celebrities should not receive preferential treatment in fully booked venues.
It's worth noting that Williams has a significant connection to Paris beyond this incident. She participated as a torchbearer during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 26, 2024. This event marked the first Summer Games held in France since 1924, aiming to be the first climate-positive Olympics in history.
Following the opening ceremony, Williams shared a more positive experience on social media, describing it as "truly unforgettable" despite the rainy conditions. She has also been spotted supporting U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles, who holds the record as the most decorated American gymnast with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.
Throughout her career, Williams has achieved numerous milestones. She turned professional in 1995 at the age of 14 and has since earned over $94 million in prize money, surpassing any other female athlete in history. Her influence extends beyond tennis, with appearances on Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes and the launch of her own clothing line, S by Serena, in 2018.
As the Paris Olympics continue, the incident at The Peninsula Paris serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between celebrity status and everyday experiences, even in the world of luxury hospitality.