- Celebrities, athletes, and other public figures are speaking out in support of Serena Williams after the US Open.
- In the final match, Williams was given three code violations by chair umpire Carlos Ramos, the third leading to an automatic loss of a game in the second set.
- Williams accused the umpire of sexism.
- Many have come to her defense.
Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday in the US Open final. But the match, which was Osaka's first major title, was marked with controversy.
Over the course of the final, Williams was given three code violations by chair umpire Carlos Ramos, the third leading to an automatic loss of a game in the second set. Williams has since accused the umpire of being sexist.
When first two violations were lobbed against her — the first of which was for coaching and the second for throwing her racket — Williams confronted Ramos.
"You owe me an apology," she said. "I have never cheated in my life. I have a daughter and I stand for what's right for her. I've never cheated, and you owe me an apology. You will never do another one of my matches."
She continued: "And you stole a point from me. You're a thief."
Serena Williams goes off on chair umpire..
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) September 8, 2018
I don’t cheat...
You own me an apology...
I have never cheated in my life..
I have a daughter and I stand for what’s right for her... pic.twitter.com/xLvbMlPOjv
Ramos then gave Williams her third code violation for verbal abuse, and, in turn a game penalty. Williams told referee Brian Earley that she was discriminated against against because of her gender, as she'd seen men behave in far worse ways without being punished.
"Because I'm a woman, you're going to take this away from me?" she said. "This has happened to me too many times."
Now, celebrities, athletes, and other public figures are taking to social media to show their support for Williams.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King took to Twitter to thank Williams for calling out the double standard between the way people perceive men and women's expression of emotion.
(1/2) Several things went very wrong during the @usopen Women’s Finals today. Coaching on every point should be allowed in tennis. It isn’t, and as a result, a player was penalized for the actions of her coach. This should not happen.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018
(2/2) When a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s “outspoken” & and there are no repercussions. Thank you, @serenawilliams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018
Janelle Monáe also applauded Williams, saying "QUEENS stand up for the greater good of US ALL and LEAD BY EXAMPLE every chance they get."
😭😭😭 the epitome of what it means to be a QUEEN today . QUEENS stand up for the greater good of US ALL and LEAD BY EXAMPLE every chance they get .
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) September 9, 2018
I love you @serenawilliams ! I’m thankful for you ! I stand with you . https://t.co/z7zZoM0ZOz
Nicki Minaj took her tribute to Instagram, where she simply captioned her post "#QueenTingz."
Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn said both women handled a tough situation "with class and composure."
Kevin Hart gave a nod to both Osaka and Williams, too.
Kelley Rowland applauded Williams and called out the ump for his " weak soul" and the "double standard."
Ciara also posted on Instagram. "Proud of my friend Serena Williams for standing up and being strong tonight," she wrote. "A true inspiration to many of us women. A new day is coming."
On Sunday, The AP reported that Williams has been fined $17,000 over response to the penalty. The $17,000 fine will come out of Williams' $1.85 million prize money, according to the AP.
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