Serena Williams questions cotton display in New York hotel as reaction sparks racial sensitivity debate

Serena Williams, the retired tennis star, expressed her discomfort with a cotton plant used as decoration in a New York City hotel. She shared her reaction on Instagram, questioning the appropriateness of cotton due to its historical ties to slavery. Williams was in New York for the SKIMS and Nike launch, continuing her activism beyond the tennis court.

Serena Williams questions cotton display in New York hotel as reaction sparks racial sensitivity debate (Image via Getty)

Serena Williams looked upset during her stay in New York City on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The 43-year-old tennis champion found a cotton plant placed as decoration inside a hotel hallway. She recorded the moment and shared it with her followers on Instagram. Williams stopped near a table, pointed to the vase, and said, “How do we feel about cotton as decoration? Personally, for me, it doesn’t feel great.” She was in the city after attending the SKIMS and Nike launch hosted by Kim Kardashian on Wednesday.

Serena Williams questions hotel’s cotton decoration in New York

The video showed Serena Williams walking down a hotel hallway. On the side table stood a vase with cotton stems. She touched one of the fluffy balls, rolled it between her fingers, and quickly put it back. Williams then shuddered before moving on. The name of the hotel was not shared. The recording was posted on her Instagram story on Thursday. It was a day after she was seen in Manhattan at the Nike and SKIMS launch. Her words sparked attention because cotton carries a heavy history in the United States. For centuries, enslaved African Americans were forced to pick cotton on plantations.

IG/Serenawilliams

Today, cotton is often linked with those memories of slavery and racial pain. For many people, using it as decoration can feel insensitive. Serena Williams, who has spoken on social issues for years, seemed to echo that feeling.

Serena Williams continues her voice beyond tennis

Serena Williams retired from tennis after her last match at the 2022 US Open in New York. But she has not stepped back from public life. She often speaks out about race, equality, and women’s rights. Also Read: Former Tennis Star Anna Kournikova Makes Rare Miami Appearance Showing Baby Bump While Expecting Fourth Child With Enrique Iglesias Her unease with the cotton display matched her long record of raising her voice. Even though she left the sport, Williams is still tied to Nike, one of her biggest sponsors. On Wednesday, September 24, she joined Kim Kardashian in New York for the launch of SKIMS and Nike. Serena Williams has moved into business, fashion, and activism. She owns fashion ventures and appears at global events. She is remembered for 23 Grand Slam titles but also admired for her voice. Her short video from the hotel showed she still reacts openly to things that carry history and meaning.

End of Article

Follow Us On Social Media

Click here to read article