Tennis legend Serena Williams shared two videos on Instagram Stories showing a cotton plant decoration in a New York City hotel hallway. In one clip, she described the display as uncomfortable.
“How do we feel about cotton as decoration?” Williams asks in the video. “Personally, for me, it doesn’t feel great.”
In another clip, Williams picked up a cotton ball, rubbed it on her nail, and visibly shuddered, highlighting her discomfort.
Though the videos have gone viral, reactions on social media have been mixed. It is unclear whether Williams’ concern was about the texture of the cotton or the historic ties of cotton to slavery in the United States.
😳 Serena Williams was stunned that a NYC hotel decided to decorate one of its hallways with this…
Watch ➡️ https://t.co/7R2tFeDFR6 pic.twitter.com/yPP62ncMzF
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 25, 2025
Tennis Star’s NYC Visit
Williams, 43, was in New York to attend a SKIMS event, promoting her participation in the brand’s new film, Bodies at Work, celebrating the Nike collaboration. Other athletes featured in the campaign include Sha’Carri Richardson, Jordan Chiles, Chloe Kim, Madisen Skinner, Romane Dicko, Beatriz Hatz, and Nelly Korda.
During the event, Williams posted on Instagram: “Nike gave me the wings, SKIMS gave me the fit — together, they gave us a moment.”
The cotton decoration was visible in the hotel hallway as she walked to the elevator.
Williams Highlights Personal Reflection
Earlier, on September 16, Williams shared a reflective note on Instagram about overcoming challenges in August. She emphasized mental health and self-reconnection, saying she was “learning to let go” after a difficult period.
