A staff member at the Paris restaurant that allegedly “denied access” to Serena Williams revealed that one of their colleagues didn’t “recognize” the famed tennis star.
Williams ignited a major stir when she posted on X about her inability to enter The Peninsula Paris’ restaurant.
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Aug. 4, 2024: Paris, France; Serena Williams watches the men’s singles gold medal match with IOC president Thomas Bach during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. (Amber Searls-USA Today Sports)
“Wow @peninsulaparis, I was turned away from the rooftop, trying to eat in an empty restaurant. This is a first, and especially with my kids,” Williams posted on X.
Maxime Mannevy, an employee at The Peninsula’s rooftop restaurant, explained to Variety that Williams was accompanied by another woman and a stroller and seemed “unrecognizable.” Mannevy stated she was not on duty when the tennis star visited.
“When she arrived, there were only two tables free, both reserved by hotel guests,” Mannevy said to the outlet. “My colleague didn’t recognize her and felt awful, but he told her what he would have communicated to any other guest, which was to wait at the bar until a table was available. It was purely procedural and nothing personal.”
Sept. 7, 2019, Flushing, NY: Serena Williams of the USA competes against Bianca Andreescu of Canada in the women’s final match at the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA Today Sports)
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The Peninsula’s response to Williams’ criticism on X was prompt.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you faced this evening,” the hotel stated on X. “Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was completely booked, and the only free tables you witnessed were for our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully reserved.
“We have always been privileged to have you as our guest and will continue to welcome you in the future.”
Jul 11, 2024: Los Angeles, CA. former tennis champion Serena Williams graces the red carpet as she hosts the 2024 ESPYS at Dolby Theatre. (Kiyoshi Mio-USA Today Sports)
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Williams was in Paris to enjoy the Olympic Games.
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