Paris Restaurant Staff Claims They Didn't Recognize Serena Williams, Leading to Denied Access Controversy

A staff member at the Paris restaurant where Serena Williams was allegedly denied access claims that they didn't recognize the tennis legend, sparking a public outcry.

Serena Williams ignited a firestorm of controversy when she took to social media to allege that she had been denied access to the rooftop restaurant of The Peninsula Paris, despite the establishment being visibly empty. The incident has sparked a public outcry and has raised questions about the treatment of Black women in upscale establishments.

Maxime Mannevy, a worker at The Peninsula's rooftop restaurant, has come forward to shed light on the situation. According to Mannevy, Williams arrived at the restaurant with another woman and a stroller and appeared "unrecognizable." Mannevy claims that she wasn't working when the tennis great came to the restaurant.

Paris Restaurant Staff Claims They Didn't Recognize Serena Williams, Leading to Denied Access Controversy

"When she came there were only two tables available, and they had been reserved by clients of the hotel," Mannevy told Variety. "My colleague didn’t recognize her and feels terrible, but he told her what he would have told any other client, which is to wait downstairs in the bar for a table to become available. That was absolutely nothing personal."

Mannevy's account differs slightly from Williams' own description of events, in which she claimed the restaurant was "empty." However, Mannevy's explanation suggests that Williams may have arrived during a period of high demand.

Paris Restaurant Staff Claims They Didn't Recognize Serena Williams, Leading to Denied Access Controversy

The incident has drawn widespread attention and has prompted several prominent figures to weigh in. Former Olympian Mykayla Skinner expressed outrage over the situation, calling it "disgusting" and "unacceptable."

The Paris Peninsula has since responded to Williams' critique, expressing their deepest apologies for the disappointment she encountered. The hotel claims that their rooftop bar was fully booked and that the only unoccupied tables belonged to their gourmet restaurant, which was fully reserved.

Paris Restaurant Staff Claims They Didn't Recognize Serena Williams, Leading to Denied Access Controversy

Williams was in Paris to attend the Olympic Games, where she was honored for her contributions to the sport. The incident has cast a shadow over her experience in the French capital and has raised important questions about the treatment of Black women in high-end establishments.

Despite the controversy, Williams has continued to enjoy her time in Paris. She has attended several Olympic events and has shared numerous photos and videos of her experiences on social media.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of Black women in society. Many have expressed their solidarity with Williams and have shared their own experiences of being denied access to or being treated with disrespect in upscale establishments.

The debate is ongoing, with many calling for greater awareness and accountability in the hospitality industry. Williams' experience has served as a catalyst for this important conversation, prompting a closer examination of the systemic issues that continue to affect Black women.