Stephen A. Smith Stumbles After Alexis Ohanian’s Response

Last week, TV and radio host Stephen A. Smith found himself at a loss for words after being subtly challenged by Serena Williams‘s husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. This exchange stemmed from comments Smith made about Williams’ appearance during this year’s Super Bowl.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” on October 9, Ohanian directly questioned Smith regarding his insinuation that he might leave Williams after she showcased her crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.

“Stephen A. Smith, I hear you had some marriage advice for me, right?” asked Ohanian, who shares two daughters with Williams. Smith deflected the question, claiming he wasn’t “qualified” to discuss marriage, suggesting they could discuss it later.

Though Ohanian remained composed, he made another cleverly phrased jab, saying, “You hadn’t been married before, right? I give advice to many founders building billion-dollar companies, so I typically stay in my lane.”

Smith, a prominent NBA analyst and host of “The Stephen A. Smith Show” podcast, stirred controversy in February when he criticized Williams for participating in Lamar’s performance, whose set included a diss track targeting Drake, with whom Williams was rumored to have dated.

“What’s happening here if I’m your husband? Why are you up there trolling your ex?” Smith remarked during a “First Take” broadcast. He justified his comments by suggesting that a wife demonstrating any energy towards her ex, even negatively, might raise questions in a marriage.

In response to the backlash, Smith defended his views on X, stating, “I didn’t mean to be disrespectful to Serena.” In a video clarifying his earlier words, he expressed his intention to discuss the issue respectfully with Ohanian, emphasizing that his comments were simply reflective of how many men might feel in such situations.