True origin behind 'Crip walk' as Serena Williams does controversial dance move during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl show

Last night’s Super Bowl was perhaps one of the most eventful in years.

Between Trump being the first sitting president to appear at the Super Bowl, Kendrick’s iconic halftime performance, and the Eagles trouncing the Chief’s, it was a night to remember.

While many focused on the many more obvious digs at Drake in Kendrick Lamar’s performance - such as the 'A Minor' line sung out by the crowd during 'Not Like Us' - one moment that has been much talked about is Serena Williams coming out to do a ‘crip walk’, a dance move Lamar also did during the performance.

What is a Crip walk?

The earliest videos of the dance known as a ‘Crip walk’ is from Henry ‘Crip’ Heard, a Harlem dance legend who lost an arm and a leg in a car accident.

This was later adopted by The Crips, an alliance of California street gangs who are often defined by their deadly rivalry with The Bloods.

Crip walking is an elaborate set of footwork which in many cases sees the dancer spelling out C-R-I-P with their feet.

It was originally created by Crip members to communicate with one another but, over the years, has seeped into popular culture through rappers who are closely associated with the Crips.

Henry 'Crip' Heard was a Harlem dance legend (Mann Robinson via TikTok)

Why did Serena Williams Crip walk at the Super Bowl?

Williams first did the Crip walk in 2012 at Wimbledon, eliciting a massive backlash which many argued was disproportionate.

In a press conference after doing the celebratory dance, her first question was: “All people know that the crip walk is not just a dance… I was wondering, do you have any regrets doing it in front of everyone?”

Williams at the time responded strongly, saying: “First of all, it was just a dance. I didn't know that's what it was called.

“Second, why are you asking me that? If anything, you should be trying to ask me questions to lift me up not bring such things … I'm done with that question.”

In a video posted to X, which you can watch below, Williams went into more detail about why she crip walked during Kendrick’s performance.

Was Williams' move shot at Drake?

Williams and Drake - the subject of Lamar’s now world-famous diss track ‘Not Like Us’ - were long rumoured to be dating.

Despite sources close to Williams insisting they were simply long-time friends, Drake has had several shots at Williams in his music.

In a 2024 video, Drake was filmed discussing his song about a one-sided romance ‘Too Good’, which he said was about ‘me and Serena’.

He also referenced the tennis legend in his 2022 track ‘Middle of the Ocean’, rapping about Williams’ husband: “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie… He claim we don't got a problem but … No, boo, it is like you coming for sushi.”

One fan said of Kendrick and Serena linking up for the performance: “he really said "say drake" and smiled straight at the camera.... and then brought out serena williams. HE'S SICK IN THE HEAD.”