Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian Serena Williams husband, Alexis Ohanian, was mistakenly called her “umbrella holder” during the Olympics opening ceremony. Photo Credit: NBC
By Arthur Weinstein on

Heavy rain fell throughout Friday’s Paris Olympics opening ceremony, creating a huge hassle for athletes, performers, media and fans.

There were umbrellas everywhere. For example, Serena Williams walked the red carpet shielded by a large umbrella, a scene reported by British sports reporter Laura Woods on EuroSport.

Woods said the fact Williams had someone carrying the umbrella showed her importance.

“[Williams] looks absolutely incredible. She’s got someone just behind us holding an umbrella,” Woods said. “Those are the levels you aspire to. To have an actual umbrella holder behind you.”

Problem: The “umbrella holder” trailing Williams was her husband, Alexis Ohanian. He dutifully carried the umbrella for Williams and their daughter, Olympia.


By the way, Ohanian is kind of a celebrity himself. He co-founded Reddit.

While the video is not available in the U.S., there were enough images circulating on X to show the scene and that everyone got a good laugh out of the gaffe, including Ohanian.


[PageSix.com]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

View all posts by Arthur Weinstein