Tennis legend Serena Williams was denied access to the rooftop restaurant at The Peninsula Paris hotel, sparking a social media backlash and an apology from the establishment.
Tennis icon Serena Williams has found herself at the center of a social media storm after being denied access to a rooftop restaurant in Paris while visiting the city for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Williams, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, took to Instagram to express her frustration at being turned away from The Peninsula Paris' rooftop bar, despite seeing empty tables. "Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in (an) empty restaurant of nicer places," she wrote on the platform, "but never with my kids. Always a first."
Serena Williams Denied Access to Paris Hotel Rooftop
The Peninsula Paris swiftly responded to Williams' post with an apology, explaining that the rooftop bar was fully booked and that the unoccupied tables belonged to the hotel's gourmet restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved. "Dear Mrs. Williams," the hotel wrote, "Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight."
However, Williams did not respond to the hotel's apology and instead posted a video of the United States' men's volleyball match against Brazil on her Instagram Stories.
Serena Williams Denied Access to Paris Hotel Rooftop
The incident has sparked a backlash against The Peninsula Paris, with many social media users criticizing the hotel for its treatment of Williams, one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. Some have accused the hotel of racism, while others have questioned its customer service standards.
Williams, who retired from competitive tennis in 2022, was among the torch bearers for the Paris Olympics, which is set to begin on July 26th. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.
Serena Williams Denied Access to Paris Hotel Rooftop
The incident has raised questions about accessibility and inclusivity in the hospitality industry, particularly for people of color. It also highlights the importance of customer service and the need for businesses to respond promptly and effectively to complaints.
The Peninsula Paris has not yet released any further statements on the matter, but it is likely that the hotel will face continued criticism until it provides a satisfactory explanation for Williams' treatment.
In addition to the social media backlash, the incident could also damage The Peninsula Paris' reputation and hurt its business in the long run. It is important for businesses to value their customers, regardless of their background or status, and to strive to provide the best possible experience for everyone.
