Serena Williams Calls Out Luxury Hotel Over Access Denial

Serena Williams took to social media on Monday to express her frustration after being denied access to the rooftop restaurant at The Peninsula Paris, a luxury hotel in the French capital. In her post, she described the experience as a first for her, especially while accompanied by her children, and included a hashtag referencing the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Maxime Mannevy, a staff member at the restaurant, explained that Williams arrived with another woman and a stroller, and was not recognized by the staff. He stated that only two tables were available, both of which were reserved for other guests. Mannevy emphasized that the decision to ask Williams to wait in the bar was standard protocol and not personal. In response to Williams' post, The Peninsula Paris issued an apology on social media, clarifying that the rooftop bar was fully booked and the empty tables were part of their gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also reserved. They expressed their honor in having welcomed Williams in the past and their desire to do so again in the future. Additionally, Williams' original post was updated with a note indicating that she was not "denied access," but rather that the restaurant was at capacity. Williams, who retired from professional tennis after the 2022 U.S. Open, is currently in Paris for the Olympic opening ceremony, where she is set to serve as a torchbearer alongside other renowned athletes.