A five-star restaurant in Paris has responded to Serena Williams following her claim that she and her daughter were turned away despite the venue being empty.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion voiced her displeasure on X, stating she was “denied access to the rooftop for a meal” at The Peninsula Hotel on Monday.
After sharing a photo of the upscale venue with her complaint, the establishment quickly replied on X just two hours later.
‘Dear Mrs. Williams, We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced that evening,’ the Peninsula team wrote.
‘Regrettably, our rooftop bar was completely reserved, and the tables you noticed were part of our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully booked.
Serena Williams and her daughter, Olympia, were denied access to hotel in Paris on Monday. Pictured: Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian and their daughter Adira River attend the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Trocadero on July 26, 2024
The Peninsula Hotel apologized to the tennis star just two hours after she posted her gripe on X. Pictured: A general view of the dining room during the Amfar Gala At The Peninsula Hotel In Paris on June 30, 2019
The five-star rated Paris Peninsula hotel claimed they were fully booked at the time
‘We have always been privileged to host you and will always welcome you back. Sincerely, The Peninsula Paris.’
Fans of Williams quickly criticized the hotel for rejecting the tennis star, with one X user commenting: ‘How can someone be denied entry when they are Serena Williams? LOL’
‘So glad you didn’t end up spending money there,’ another follower remarked.
‘You’re better off not dining there; the food is mediocre — I’ve regrettably paid for it multiple times,’ another user noted.
‘It’s Serena Williams, they should have set aside a table for her!,’ a fourth user commented.
This incident came after the tennis icon expressed her frustration about the treatment, stating: ‘Wow, @peninsulaparis, I was denied access to the rooftop for a meal at an empty restaurant, but I’ve never experienced such a thing with my kids before. There’s always a first time.’
However, not everyone on social media sided with Williams; some labeled her behavior as ‘entitled’ and reflective of ‘privilege.’
One user commented: ‘Are we really suggesting that this place should have recognized her because she’s a celebrity? If they’re fully booked, they’re fully booked; it’s quite entitled to be upset that they didn’t accommodate her because “I’m special.”’
Another added: ‘I can’t believe people here are suggesting she deserved special treatment and should have gotten a table at a fully booked restaurant. Seriously, talk about privilege. LOL.’
One more remarked: ‘Nothing screams entitlement more than expecting a reserved table during the Olympics and busy tourist season at @peninsulaparis.’
Fans flocked to support the star while others claimed she was being ‘entitled’
Pictured: Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia Ohanian attend the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final during day four of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris Arena on July 30, 2024
Williams has enjoyed watching various Olympic events with her six-year-old daughter, Olympia, and family during their time in Paris.
She was also featured alongside several well-known figures during the Games’ opening ceremony on July 26, sharing a boat with Rafael Nadal, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci.
Williams described the ceremony as ‘unforgettable.’
‘Being part of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, riding in a boat during the rain—it was pouring! My lashes almost came off,’ she humorously shared on X.
In addition to her Grand Slam accolades, Williams has four Olympic gold medals, including titles in both singles and doubles from the London 2012 Games.
