Serena Williams says she was left sans after she was denied service by a luxury restaurant in Paris during the . On Aug. 5, the retired tennis player took to X to raise a grievance against the Peninsula Hotel in Paris with emojis to express her disappointment.
“Yikes @PeninsulaParis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in a empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids,” she . “Always a first. #Olympic2024.
” The 42-year-old, , appeared as a flagbearer in the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics and has been seen cheering on athletes. On X, Williams’ post spurred users to take sides. Users either supported the tennis star in criticizing the restaurant or were quick to suggest she was coming from a place of entitlement.
“Exceptional people deserve exceptional service even in less than exceptional places such as The Peninsula Paris,” . “Or maybe the ‘big name celebrity’ shouldn’t be entitled thinking that she can take someone else’s table?” . “Accommodate people with large microphones,” .
“She very much has a larger microphone and quite frankly it was bad customer service to not find a solution. Whoever the manager on duty was didn’t think this through.” The Peninsula Paris is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Paris, France, which features fine dining and a rooftop terrace.
Though Williams did not specify in her post at which restaurant at the hotel she attempted to dine, the restaurant responded to her.