In a recent and disheartening incident, tennis icon Serena Williams, along with her children, was denied access to a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant at The Peninsula in Paris.
This news, which Williams herself shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), has sparked a conversation about racism and discrimination and the subtle ways it continues to manifest, even in spaces that claim to celebrate diversity and excellence.
Williams expressed her dismay at being turned away from the rooftop bar, remarking, “I’ve been denied access to a rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places, but never with my kids. Always a first.”
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The Peninsula responded with an apology, stating that the rooftop bar was fully booked and that the vacant tables were reserved for another of their restaurants.
They posted on X, explaining, “We can only reiterate our deepest apologies for her perception of tonight’s situation. She has always been, and will always be, more than welcome with her family at The Peninsula.”
They added, “Dear Mrs Williams. Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”
However, this response raises more questions than it answers, especially given the specificity of Williams’ claim that the space appeared empty and that this was the first time she had experienced such treatment with her children.
The optics of this incident are troubling, particularly when viewed through the lens of race and privilege. Serena Williams is not just a globally recognized athlete; she is a cultural icon and symbol of strength, perseverance, and grace under pressure. For her to be denied entry, especially in a city like Paris, known for its cosmopolitan and supposedly inclusive nature, suggests an underlying bias that cannot be ignored.
This is not the first time a Black celebrity has faced such discriminatory treatment in high-end spaces. In 2013, Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women in the world, was denied access to a luxury store in Zurich. Winfrey recounted how a shop assistant refused to show her a handbag, assuming she couldn’t afford it. These incidents highlight a recurring issue where Black individuals, regardless of their fame or wealth, are judged and excluded based on their skin color.
This is not merely a case of a restaurant adhering to reservation policies. The issue runs deeper, reflecting a pattern of exclusion that many people of color experience in spaces that are predominantly white and elite. The subtle and often unspoken rules about who belongs and who does not are at play here, and they are reinforced by actions like the one taken by The Peninsula. It is a reminder that, despite progress, there are still places where the presence of Black people, even those as accomplished as Serena Williams, is questioned or unwelcome.
The Peninsula’s apology, while polite, failed to address the core of the issue. It was a standard PR move, more concerned with preserving the hotel’s reputation than acknowledging the harm done. The suggestion that the rooftop was fully booked does not hold up against the specificity of Williams’ complaint and the visible support she received from the public.
The fact that many netizens rallied behind her, questioning how anyone could turn away a figure as illustrious as Williams, speaks volumes about the public’s perception of the incident.
One fan wrote, “Who doesn’t make room for a queen?”
Another said, “You can buy the whole damn place.”
This event also highlights the broader issue of accessibility in luxury spaces. The hospitality industry, particularly at the high end, often operates under a veneer of exclusivity that can easily mask discriminatory practices. These practices can range from overt racism to more subtle forms of bias, such as differential treatment based on a person’s appearance or perceived status. The result is a stratified experience where certain groups are made to feel like outsiders, regardless of their accomplishments or financial means.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent barriers faced by Black people, even those who have reached the pinnacle of success. It underscores the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in all spaces, especially those that pride themselves on their sophistication and worldliness.
Serena Williams’ experience, much like Oprah Winfrey’s, is a call to action for all of us to recognize and challenge the subtle ways in which discrimination continues to operate. It is a reminder that no matter how far we’ve come, there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
