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    “Terrible role model” – Serena Williams slammed by fans over controversial GLP-1 moment during Venus Williams’ Cincinnati Open 1R

    Rambamwellness.comSportsAugust 15, 2026
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    Serena Williams sparked a wave of criticism from fans after a controversial GLP-1-related moment during sister Venus Williams’ Cincinnati Open first-round match. Williams uses the GLP-1 weight-loss medication Zepbound through a partnership deal with the telehealth platform.

    Williams turned to the medication after struggling to lose weight following her second pregnancy. Although she was following an intense training and strict dieting schedule, Williams was not able to reach her desired weight. She recently drew attention after a long banner was seen flying in the sky with her picture on it. The banner featured Williams administering a GLP-1 injection.

    Fans slammed Williams and the advertising promoting the weight loss drug. One of the fans praised her illustrious career but opined that she is a poor role model.

    “Serena is an amazing athlete… but a terrible role model. Pushing drugs for more money when her and her husband are already immensely wealthy. Shameful.”

    @tumcarayol Serena is an amazing athlete… but a terrible role model. Pushing drugs for more money when her and her husband are already immensely wealthy. Shameful

    One of the fans also suggested that Williams’ comeback was a plot to promote the GLP 1 weight loss drug.

    “Many suspected that this was what the comeback was all about. They might have been right,” the fan wrote.

    @tumcarayol Many suspected that this was what the comeback was all about. They might have been right.

    Another fan slammed Williams, stating she is destroying her legacy with such stunts.

    “One destroying her legacy taking wc abusing a system… the other one destroying her legacy selling drugs… what a combo…,” the fan added.

    @tumcarayol @pavyg One destroying her legacy taking wc abusing a system… the other one destroying her legacy selling drugs… what a combo…

    Here are a few more reactions:

    @tumcarayol The Williams Sisters economy and the sport of tennis are two separate things, and only one is ridiculous in terms of advertising reach

    @tumcarayol It truly is impossible to explain 😭🤦🏾‍♀️

    @tumcarayol @pavyg Totally agree. The beloved sport has become a farce.

    Serena Williams opens up on using weight loss drug

    Serena Williams attends Invest Fest 2026 at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Getty Images) Serena Williams attends Invest Fest 2026 at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Getty Images)
    Serena Williams attends Invest Fest 2026 at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Getty Images)

    Serena Williams once opened up about administering GLP-1 medications, stating that despite exercising heavily and watching her diet, she couldn’t lose weight. The medication helped her lose around 34 pounds over a year. Williams further stated that it also lowered her cholesterol, stabilised her blood sugar and lowered her cardiovascular risk. Speaking to NBC News, she admitted feeling the healthiest after taking the medications.

    “Sometimes, no matter what you do, no matter how many steps you take, how many miles you run, you just can’t get over that hump. I know that for a fact,” Williams said. “As a woman, as I age, I definitely couldn’t get over that hump.”

    “I was at risk for heart disease, and I didn’t even know that,” Williams added. “That’s kind of scary, and that’s the No. 1 thing that kills Americans. So I could have been a statistic.”

    Serena Williams frequently stars in a high-profile commercial campaign for Ro (a direct-to-consumer telehealth platform) that promotes GLP-1 weight-loss medications.