Serena Williams sparked conversation after calling out a hotel for using cotton plants as decoration during her recent stay in New York City.
In two Instagram Stories, the 42-year-old tennis icon zoomed in on a cotton stem displayed in a hallway and asked her followers, “How do we feel about cotton as decoration?” She didn’t wait long to answer her own question, adding, “Personally, for me, it doesn’t feel great.”
Williams then plucked one of the cotton balls from the stem, rubbed it across her nail, and visibly recoiled. “So actually, it feels like nail polish remover cotton…unnatural,” she said.
The star did not name the hotel, but her New York trip coincided with the high-profile launch of the SKIMS × Nike collaboration, giving her critique extra visibility.
As with many things Serena shares online, what might have been a small moment became a trending discussion. With more than 17 million followers on Instagram, her comments reach a massive audience, and even offhand remarks often become headlines.
The reaction on social media ranged from supportive to skeptical. Some fans praised Williams for being candid, while others poked fun at her reaction.
One user wrote via X, “Wait until she finds out Skims uses cotton in some of their clothing. 😢”
Another added, I think I saw the same thing in a Hilton Double Tree 2 weeks ago. Had no idea it was deliberate. Those rascals.”
One unsympathetic commenter argued, “Oh please! If it offends you so much, you better be sure not to wear cotton clothes.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has critiqued her surroundings. In 2024, she drew headlines after publicly calling out the five-star Peninsula Paris hotel when she and her children were denied a table at its rooftop restaurant.
“Yikes @PeninsulaParis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant … but never with my kids. Always a first,” she wrote via X at the time.
The hotel later issued an apology, explaining the rooftop was fully booked and that the tables Williams thought were available belonged to another dining area. Still, the incident underlined her ability to go viral for pointing out issues with hospitality.
Beyond her candid social media posts, Williams’ accomplishments on the court speak for themselves.
A 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, she is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Since retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Williams has focused on motherhood, business ventures, and seemingly, cultural commentary, maintaining her status as a global icon.
Her influence stretches far beyond sports, which is why even a quick Instagram Story about hotel décor sparks headlines and debate.
Now, with her latest comments, Williams once again shows how even small details, like a cotton stem in a hotel hallway, can spark wider conversations about taste, comfort, and accountability in public spaces.