Tennis legend Serena Williams found herself back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a highly controversial TV ad aired during the 2026 Super Bowl , setting off a firestorm online.
Yesterday, on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, the 23-time Grand Slam champion drew intense criticism after starring in and promoting a weight-loss medication , which she claimed to have personally used.
- Serena Williams sparked major backlash after starring in a Super Bowl ad for a GLP-1 weight-loss medication, with critics slamming the athlete for undermining body positivity.
- Viewers called the commercial “disgusting,” “shameful,” and “wildly inappropriate” for such a massive, family-oriented televised event.
- The ad also fueled wild theories involving her husband, Alexis Ohanian, with critics claiming her endorsement was tied to his role in the advertised product.
However, online sleuths were quick to notice that certain details didn’t add up , with some viewers calling the campaign “ disgusting ” and even “ dystopian .”
“Why is she doing that with all the money in the bank; how sad is that for a famous woman ,” expressed one displeased user.
Serena Williams was brutally blasted by fans after starring in and promoting a controversial weight-loss medication during the Super Bowl
Serena Williams in casual outfit and blue cap, amid controversy over weight loss transformation and Super Bowl ad backlash.
During last night’s highly anticipated annual event, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The game was a major cultural moment, highlighted by Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show, which featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin and drew an estimated 130 million viewers.
Serena Williams in a subway ad promoting weight loss transformation with Ro, amid Super Bowl ad controversy.
Reportedly, the 2026 commercial slate was also notably different from previous years, dominated by three major themes – Artificial Intelligence, GLP-1 weight-loss dr*gs, and nostalgia.
One such commercial, which aired during the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, featured Serena Williams in a tennis outfit for the telehealth provider Ro.
Dancing to a high-energy soundtrack on a vibrant blue stage, Serena revealed she lost 34 pounds (approximately 15 kg) over the course of a year using GLP-1.
Serena Williams posing with curly blonde hair and wearing a light blue top amid controversial weight loss transformation debate.
Tweet screenshot discussing Serena Williams Super Bowl ad featuring her GLP-1 weight loss transformation controversy.
She also highlighted clinical benefits she experienced after losing the weight, including reduced knee joint stress and stabilized blood sugar, as part of the “Healthier on Ro” campaign.
The ad further demystified the treatment process by showing Williams injecting the medication with a pen, using the Ro mobile app to order weight-loss medication , and announcing a new oral pill version of the dr*g.
“Shamelessly now promoting weight loss drgs?” questioned one user, while another added, “So weird that it’s legal to advertise drgs like it’s kind of a vitamin”
Serena Williams posing indoors in casual outfit amid controversy over Super Bowl ad and weight loss transformation.
Comment by Vanessa Kipa saying Money talks during a discussion related to Serena Williams weight loss transformation controversy.
The commercial appeared aimed at positioning the treatment as a tool for overall health and risk reduction, rather than just a cosmetic fix.
One enraged user wrote on X, “Serena Williams injects herself with a GLP-1 weight loss dr*g as millions watch the Super Bowl… I miss the days when the Super Bowl sold beer & trucks. Pushing Big Pharma weight loss injections while impressionable children watch feels wrong.”
Serena Williams posing in sporty white outfit with weight loss graph showing 32 lbs lost during GLP-1 journey.
Alt text: Social media comment criticizing Serena Williams’ body performance amid controversial weight loss transformation debate.
Another netizen added, “It’s nauseating to see an ad like this being aired during the Super Bowl.”
“Serena Williams pushing weight loss drgs…disgusting,” said a third disappointed fan, while another wrote, “Parading weight loss prescription drgs in shows watched by young children is so wrong in many levels.”
“Like, why would Serena Williams, one of the most athletic female athletes of all time, promote such a product. She should be out showing, teaching people how to become fit, the natural, safe way.”
Serena Williams posing on red carpet before and after controversial weight loss transformation amid Super Bowl ad backlash
Commenter So KW shares opinion on weight loss methods, sparking discussion amid Serena Williams Super Bowl ad controversy.
Many also speculated that Serena may have done the Ro ad to support her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
Alexis is an investor and board member at Ro, and citing this, one skeptical user said, “I don’t have any problem with using GLP-1’s but I hate when commercials are misleading… Her husband is an investor in Ro.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ro (@ro.co)
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