Serena Williams’ appearance at Super Bowl 2025 took an unexpected turn when she performed the Crip Walk during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. The move sparked intense backlash, as many pointed out the painful irony — her sister was tragically killed by a reported Crip gang member.

Super Bowl LIX took place in New Orleans on February 10, bringing the biggest night in football to the Caesars Superdome. Fans packed the stadium to witness a thrilling showdown, with the Philadelphia Eagles securing a win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, while the game itself delivered plenty of action, it was the halftime show that became one of the biggest talking points of the night. Kendrick Lamar, one of the most celebrated artists of his generation, was the highly anticipated headliner for this year’s halftime performance.

Known for his socially conscious lyrics and powerful stage presence, the rapper promised an unforgettable show — and he delivered. As expected, the Compton-born rapper brought out several special guests, including fellow singer SZA.

However, it was another unexpected appearance that left the audience in shock — Serena Williams. Serena’s presence on stage surprised many, as she is not known for musical performances.

As Kendrick continued his set, she joined him in the spotlight and broke into the Crip Walk, a dance that has long been associated with gang culture, particularly the Crips.

The Crip Walk, often referred to as the C-Walk, originated in the 1970s within the Crips street gang in Los Angeles. It involves quick footwork and intricate movements that have since been popularized in mainstream hip-hop and sports.

While many see it as just another dance move, its deep-rooted connection to gang activity remains controversial. Many social media users were quick to point out the painful irony of Serena doing the Crip Walk, given her family’s history.

In 2003, her half-sister, Yetunde Price, was fatally shot in Compton, just a few miles from the same courts where Serena and Venus Williams trained as children.

At the time of her death, Yetunde was 31 years old and working as a nurse and part-owner of a beauty salon. She was also a personal assistant to her younger sisters, supporting them throughout their careers.

Yetunde was one of three daughters — along with Isha and Lyndrea — born to their mother, Oracene Price, from a previous marriage. Oracene later married Richard Williams, and together they had Venus and Serena.

Growing up, the siblings shared a single room with four beds, meaning Serena, who later became a tennis legend, took turns sleeping with a different sister each night.

All five sisters spent countless hours at the tennis courts while Venus and Serena trained, with the older siblings helping by picking up balls and offering support.

Their childhood was centered around a disciplined routine to prepare Venus and Serena for greatness. “It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized that our lives weren’t what other people considered normal,” Isha, the oldest surviving sister, shared.

On the night of her death, Yetunde was in a vehicle with her companion, Rolland Wormley, when gunfire erupted. She was struck in the upper torso and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Rolland, who was behind the wheel, recalled that the attack was sudden and unprovoked. “These guys just started opening fire,” he said. “We were just innocent passersby. Believe me, if anything, I would go through that myself twice before I let that happen to my girl.”

Following the shooting, the Williams family released a statement mourning their loss. “We are extremely shocked, saddened and devastated by the shooting death of our beloved Yetunde,” they said.

“She was our nucleus and our rock. She was personal assistant, confidant and advisor to her sisters, and her death leaves a void that can never be filled,” they continued.

Authorities later revealed that Yetunde had been caught in a violent encounter near a known drug house. Sheriff’s officials suggested that the shooting may have been gang-related, though details remained unclear at the time.

A few months after her murder, law enforcement arrested Robert Maxfield, whom police said was a member of the Southside Crips gang in connection with the shooting.

According to reports, it was argued that the shooting was retaliation against someone he thought was another gang member. Maxfield was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Another man, Aaron Michael Hammer, was also charged with murder but pleaded not guilty. By 2018, Maxfield had been released on parole but was later re-arrested for violating the terms of his release.

In the years following her death, Yetunde’s siblings have honored her memory through the opening of the Yetunde Price Resource Center in Compton in 2016, which assists families affected by violence.

Serena, in particular, has spoken about how deeply Yetunde’s death impacted her, admitting in a 2007 interview that it was still difficult to talk about. “Yetunde and I were so close; she changed my diapers. But I finally came to an acceptance of things,” the tennis champion shared.

Despite this painful history, Serena’s decision to perform the Crip Walk at the Super Bowl did not sit well with many viewers. Some found it deeply insensitive, given that her sister’s life was taken by someone affiliated with the very gang tied to the dance.

“Crip walking on national TV when her older sister was murdered by Crips. 43-year-old woman btw,” one social media user shared. “Serena Williams’ sister was k*lled by Crips in 2003. Today she was Crip walking on national television to get back at her ex Drake,” another person commented.

A third person added, “Serena Williams’ sister was killed by a Crip in a drive-by shooting & she had the audacity to Crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, so she could get back at her ex-boyfriend, Drake… Indefensible.”

Serena Williams’ decision to perform the Crip Walk at Super Bowl LIX sparked fierce debate, with some social media users viewing her appearance as a tone-deaf move given her sister’s tragic death at the hands of a reported Crip gang member.

Over the years, Yetunde’s family has honored her memory. However, whether the tennis star’s Super Bowl moment was an oversight or simply a dance, it has reignited discussions on cultural expression and personal history.