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"I am about to be a real woman now, you know?
This comment was all it took for tennis player Serena Williams to receive major social media backlash from women who were confused by her statement.
In an interview with Australian newspaper the Herald Sun, Serena said she couldn't wait to give birth and become a 'real woman.'
Serena announced that she is expecting her first child with her fiancé, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, on SnapChat in April.
"I have so much respect for so many women [for giving birth],” Serena said. “I am about to be a real woman now, you know? It's going to be something incredibly impressive to go through."
'Having a baby will make me a real woman' ... @serenawilliams on feminism, fear & motherhoodhttps://t.co/afNihC4aiZ pic.twitter.com/3rweoEvBc2
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) August 5, 2017
Out of the entire interview, it was this one statement that had readers up in arms.
What a ridiculous comment! I am not "less of a woman" because I dont have children.
— Dr Victoria Johnson (@vicjohnson10) August 5, 2017
Jesus was she talking about you???? Is everything about you???Actually maybe it is...hence...no children.??? pic.twitter.com/OKGb8GC87A
— Ghost of Van Gogh (@ghostofvangogh1) August 8, 2017
Come back in 25 yrs when your kid has turned their back on you & tell me what it is to be a 'real woman'...
— k blackbenz (@kblackbenz) August 10, 2017
Didn't know I had to have a baby to be a "real woman"..thanks for letting me know @serenawilliams
— Kimberly Joyce (@KimSavinoJoyce) August 8, 2017
Really unfortunate statement from her. All women are real, not just the ones who give birth.
— michael epps (@michael_epps) August 8, 2017
Many accused the sports legend of being narrow-minded, even though she also mentioned that she is a feminist in the same interview.
"I definitely am a feminist. I like to stick up for women and women’s rights.So many things happen and I just think, ‘Wow, why don’t we have a chance?’ If that makes me a feminist, I am proud to be one," she said. On the other side of the net, many fans came out in support of the star athlete.
Serena has the right to say this based on her outlook because she is only referring to herself
— Terrie Stinson (@tceero) August 9, 2017
I think you all misinterpreted what she said, for her it is a life achievement as a woman. I also wanted to be a father that was one of...
— S.B. & M.G. (@SBandMG) August 10, 2017
I believe people are to quick to judge. No one knows how you have felt throughout the years. I get it??
— Pigeon (@pigeon_333) August 10, 2017
If you take offense to this, get over yourself. She's allowed to feel how she feels and in no way is it directed to anyone. Grow a backbone.
— Sal (@compsciguy316) August 9, 2017
Toughest job ever, childbirth & parenting. Serena knows!
— deltaweb (@websquaw) August 9, 2017
Sources: Herald Sun, The Telegraph, NBC Chicago
