Venus Williams is one of the most inspiring figures in tennis alongside her sister Serena. The American sensation defied the odds to conquer the tennis world after being coached by her surprising father that raised his daughters to stardom coming from absolutely nowhere. After achieving so much in tennis, Venus became a source of inspiration for the new generation, especially in the black community.
At 39 years of age, Venus is still extremely fit and competitive on the tennis court, but she is obviously preparing for the “tennis after-life.” Venus has been working hard and for long on various businesses and she planned to launch her sunscreen collection during these days.
Unfortunately, Venus, or most probably her PR company, started to promote the sunscreen collection when the unrests related to George Floyd’s killing started.
Some young stars such as Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, and Frances Tiafoe took on social media using their platform to defend the rights of the black community. However, some fans remained baffled why Venus “remained” silent on social media while she has always been such a strong advocate for the people of color.
Therefore, Venus has been (unfairly?) criticized by some people on social media. Probably bad timing and … bad PR? Sure she will correct this as she doesn’t deserve these kinds of comments.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAk_ioNFZzG/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAy2xtbFZ0p/
Obviously Venus is against racism. She was really not lucky when her twitter account promoted her new line almost simultaneously when unrest started. Probably they were automated messages. Her PR company missing in action… If any
— Tennistonic (@tennistonic) June 5, 2020
Venus abs serena we love you but this is not the right time, our house is on fire we need your voice now God bless you
— Bayo Netufo (@BayoNetufo) May 30, 2020
You are one of my sports idols. But seriously! People are broke from being off work and now we are protesting the police. Turn to CNN!
— Denise Durrett (@DeniseDurrett) May 30, 2020
Wow…nothing regarding our current state of black affairs. Very disappointing…
— CamilleJeannine (@MillaJeannine) May 30, 2020
Good effort Venus, but not the right moment … 🙄
— Tennistonic (@tennistonic) May 30, 2020
Some comments from Instagram as follows.
“I am very disappointed in you young lady, your father is a black man living in America and you sit down with your mouth close not uttering not one word of disgust, continue your journey on whatever path you’re on, wish you all the best 👏👏 , big up to the brave who make it so that you can be on the world stage playing Tennis, remember at one time you couldn’t even vote in America,” @shinella73
“please speak up about the movement vee.” @ctrlmtei
“Venus said I can give a shit about y’all black lives but here is my product 😏smh unfollowed and we supported you even when you was getting beat on the court,” @taij12
“Your silence is deafening. Other Black players are using their voices. Sachia Vickery was on that video!! And you can’t even speak up for the community that’s had your back for 20+ years.” @ames.david.morrison1989
Venus Williams in 2020
At the moment ranked no.67, Venus Williams played her last match on the 2nd of March when she capitulated to Karolina Anna Schmiedlova 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the 1st round in Monterrey.
