Serena Williams & Her Brand Deal Choices

The Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams has made herself a household name by dominating the tennis courts over the years. Holding 23 Grand Slams and 4 Olympic Gold Medalists, she is respected for her athletic abilities and work ethic.

Williams ventured into a clothing and a makeup line after she took a step back from the courts. She’s taking part in a Prime docuseries titled “The CEO Club.” She hosts a podcast with her sister, Venus Williams, titled Stockton Street. She’s partnered with Barbie. The athlete has a net worth of $350 million.

These various business ventures bring me to her social media brand deals. In the latter part of 2025, Williams publicly appeared in commercials for Ro, the GLP-1 weight loss medication. Claiming it as helpful in losing her postpartum weight, she has lost 34 pounds in one year. She has faced backlash for choosing this route to lose weight as opposed to utilizing the healthy lifestyle she was already an active participant in. People are arguing she is not setting an admirable example for her young fans.

While business deals can be separated from her own choices, studies have proven that a healthier lifestyle (ie exercising and eating healthy, balanced meals) has been more effective long-term while the GLP-1 medications are better for short-term weight loss.

What do you think? Is this a case of bodily autonomy or do celebrities have a responsibility to consider the needs of their viewers?