Tennis great Billie Jean King reacted Saturday to the banning of Serena Williams from wearing her “Black Panther”-inspired catsuit on the court at future French Opens, and called for the end of “policing” women’s bodies.
“The policing of women’s bodies must end. The ‘respect’ that’s needed is for the exceptional talent @serenawilliams brings to the game. Criticizing what she wears to work is where the true disrespect lies,” King tweeted.
On Friday, French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli announced the group was introducing a new dress code for future French Opens to regulate players’ uniforms, explaining, “I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far.”
“It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place,” Giudicelli said in an interview in Tennis Magazine’s 500th edition. He made particular note of Williams’ form-fitting black “catsuit” she wore at Roland Garros in May.
Williams said the skin-tight uniform made her feel like a “superhero.”
“I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda maybe,” she said, referring to the fictional country featured in the blockbuster “Black Panther.”
“I’m always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it’s kind of my way of being a superhero, she added.
Williams has also said the suit helped her avoid blood clots, which complicated her recovery after she gave birth last year.
On Saturday, she downplayed the discussion over the suit.
“I think that obviously, the Grand Slams have a right to do what they want to do,” the Washington Post quoted her as saying. “I feel like if and when, or if they know that some things are for health reasons, then there’s no way that they wouldn’t be okay with it. So I think it’s fine. The president of the French Federation, he’s been really amazing. He’s been so easy to talk to. My whole team is basically French, so, yeah, we have a wonderful relationship.
Hollywood figures including Shonda Rhimes, “Hunger Games” star Elizabeth Banks and “Arrow” actor Stephen Amell were among those who defended Williams’ right to wear the suit.
Royal Wedding Star Guide: A-Listers Expected at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Big Day (Photos)
The royal wedding has always been something of a Hollywood affair, but this year the bride-to-be is actually a Hollywood star, Meghan Markle of the show "Suits." And because of her added celebrity being engaged to Prince Harry, she can now attract some serious A-listers to their big wedding day on May 19. Not every one of these celebs have confirmed, but they've all been invited, according to reports, and added to the just 600-person guest list. The stars won't outshine the royal family, but here's who to keep an eye out for anyway.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton
This is a no-brainer, and Prince William has been confirmed as best man for his brother Harry. Middleton naturally will also be in attendance, but not the newly born Prince Louis. However, Prince George and Princess Charlotte are expected to play a part in the ceremony.
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The cast of "Suits"
The core cast of Markle's USA show "Suits" has all been invited, including Gabriel Macht, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, showrunner Aaron Korsh and her on-screen love interest, Patrick Adams.
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Priyanka Chopra
The "Quantico" star told Us that she would be attending but hadn't yet picked out a dress. "I've known Meghan for three years and I'm so happy the way the world has responded to her because as long as I've known her," she told Us. "She's that girl who thinks out of the box. She has always been an activist. She has always had a strong voice. She's an ambitious girl of today. I think the world needs strong role models like Meghan. I think, I hope, Meghan will end up being one of those people."
Markle met the "Made in Chelsea" reality star Mackintosh back in 2016, the same summer she started dating Prince Harry, and became fast friends. Several outlets have speculated that she'll be one of Markle's bridesmaids.
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Serena Williams
Tennis great Serena Williams has been close with Markle for years, and she told "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts that not only did she have some advice for Markle on her wedding day, but that she would, "see if I can make it." Unfortunately, the date falls near the start of the French Open, the first major Williams will compete in since becoming a new mom back in September. If she shows, she's expected to bring her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, as her plus-one.
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Ed Sheeran
The British singer-songwriter was reportedly asked to perform a few songs, and though he hasn't confirmed the news, he has previously expressed interest in the past.
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Sir Elton John
Sir Elton reportedly canceled two concerts that coincided with the wedding date to be at the ceremony for the son of his dear friend, the late Princess Diana.
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Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, Ed Sheeran and more are expected on May 19
The royal wedding has always been something of a Hollywood affair, but this year the bride-to-be is actually a Hollywood star, Meghan Markle of the show "Suits." And because of her added celebrity being engaged to Prince Harry, she can now attract some serious A-listers to their big wedding day on May 19. Not every one of these celebs have confirmed, but they've all been invited, according to reports, and added to the just 600-person guest list. The stars won't outshine the royal family, but here's who to keep an eye out for anyway.