Serena Williams expresses discomfort over cotton decor in NYC hotel: 'Doesn't feel great'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Serena Williams has sparked conversation online after expressing discomfort over a cotton plant decoration at a New York City hotel, saying it “doesn’t feel great” to see.

The tennis icon shared the moment on her Instagram story, asking her followers how they feel about "cotton as decoration." In the video, Williams is seen inspecting the display, making a visibly uneasy face before walking away.

Serena Williams speaks out against NY hotel for cotton plant decor

Serena Williams called out a questionable piece of decor at a New York City hotel. In a series of Instagram Stories posted on Thursday, September 25, the 43-year-old tennis icon shared a video showing a cotton plant displayed in a vase on a hallway table.

Turning the camera toward the arrangement, she asked her followers, “Alright, everyone. How do we feel about cotton as decoration?” She then added, “Personally for me, it doesn’t feel great.”

In a follow-up clip, Williams appeared on camera holding a piece of the cotton, comparing it to the kind used with nail polish remover. After examining the material and reacting with visible discomfort, she cringed and stepped out of frame.

Williams was in New York City to attend a SKIMS event promoting her appearance in the brand’s new campaign film, Bodies at Work, which showcases its collaboration with Nike. The campaign also features athletes including Sha’Carri Richardson, Jordan Chiles, Chloe Kim, Madisen Skinner, Romane Dicko, Beatriz Hatz, and Nelly Korda.

Before the event, Williams shared a video of herself heading to the elevator in her hotel, with the controversial cotton decoration visible in the background. She captioned her post from the event, “Nike gave me the wings, SKIMS gave me the fit — together, they gave us a moment.”

Internet sparks debate over Serena Williams's take on cotton plant decor

Serena Williams' fans reacted with mixed opinions to the plant and Williams’s response. While some supported her perspective, others criticized her, dismissing it as performative outrage.

"Wait until she finds out Skims uses cotton in some of their clothing," read one comment on X.

Another user quipped, "It kinda looks nice to me. Nobody told her to pick it!"

"Serena please stop being dumb. These are common fall decorations," another post shared.

One comment wrote, "Oh please! If it offends you so much, you better be sure not to wear cotton clothes."

One X user expressed, "Hope she likes wearing polyester 🤷‍♀️." 

A person mocked, "She is literally wearing cotton. 😂"

An X user wrote, "Those makeup 💄 removers wipes are made out of cotton 😎😎 cotton everywhere you look."

Another person slammed, "If you have an issue with cotton boycotted and stop buying anything with cotton in it."

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