*A Parisian hotel stirred up a heated discussion on Monday after tennis legend Serena Williams accused it of refusing her and her children service at an empty restaurant rooftop. Williams turned to social media to voice her frustration, writing, “Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first,” with frowning emojis that reflected her disappointment.
The incident did not sit well with Williams’ fans, who quickly labeled the hotel’s actions as prejudiced. Social media erupted with reactions condemning the hotel for what appeared to be a slight against an ultra-famous guest and her family.
Responding swiftly to the backlash, the Peninsula Paris issued a public apology and a clarification regarding the incident.
“Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”
Dear Mrs. Williams,
Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight.
Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.— The Peninsula Paris (@peninsulaparis) August 5, 2024
The hotel emphasized that they have always been honored to welcome Williams and look forward to doing so again.
Despite the formal apology and explanation, many supporters of Williams remained skeptical. One user encapsulated the general sentiment by noting, “It’s Serena Williams – you make a table for her!” This comment highlighted the expectation of special treatment for celebrities of Williams’ stature, especially given her global fame and prominence.
A fluent French speaker, Serena is currently in Paris, accompanied by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira. This visit coincides with Williams’ involvement in the Olympics’ opening ceremony as a torchbearer, alongside other renowned figures. Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has secured four Olympic gold medals, further cementing her status as a sports icon.
While the Peninsula Paris’ explanation might hold water, the incident underscores the complexities of catering to high-profile individuals, especially in an era where social media can amplify personal experiences into widespread public discourse.
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