Fox News is facing intense backlash from viewers and social media users after conservative commentator Jesse Watters was allowed to participate in an interview with tennis icon Serena Williams. The segment, which aired during a special edition of the network’s evening program, was intended to celebrate Williams’ legacy and her recent philanthropic endeavors. Instead, it quickly became a flashpoint for controversy due to what many are calling “offensive and inappropriate” questions posed by Watters.

The interview, which aired on Sunday evening, featured Williams discussing her post-retirement initiatives, including her venture capital firm that supports underrepresented founders and her foundation’s work on youth education. However, viewers quickly took issue with the tone and direction of the questions Watters asked — many of which were perceived as disrespectful or tone-deaf.

Among the most criticized moments was when Watters questioned Williams about whether she believed “identity politics” had played a role in her success and suggested that her accomplishments had been “amplified by the media because of her race.” Critics called the comment racially insensitive and dismissive of Williams’ decades-long dominance in one of the world’s most competitive sports.

Social media erupted shortly after the segment aired. The hashtag #RespectSerena trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and public figures alike voicing their frustration. “Letting Jesse Watters near a Serena Williams interview is like inviting someone to a tribute only to insult the guest of honor,” one user wrote. “She deserves better.”

Others pointed to Watters’ history of controversial remarks and segments, including his past involvement in racially charged street interviews and inflammatory commentary. “Fox News knew exactly what they were doing when they put Jesse Watters in that chair,” said political commentator and former ESPN analyst Jemele Hill. “This wasn’t a misstep. It was a choice.”

Many viewers also expressed disappointment with Fox News for allowing the segment to go forward without pushback or correction from other panelists or anchors. “There was a clear opportunity for the show’s producers to steer this in a more respectful direction. That they didn’t speaks volumes,” said a former network producer who asked to remain anonymous.

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A spokesperson for Fox News defended the segment on Monday, saying that the network values “a diversity of viewpoints” and that Watters’ questions were “within the scope of journalistic inquiry.” The statement, however, did little to calm public anger. Critics argue that the incident reflects a broader issue of media figures using confrontational tactics under the guise of journalism, particularly when interviewing high-profile figures from marginalized communities.

Representatives for Serena Williams have not released an official comment, though sources close to her say she was “caught off guard” by the tone of the questions but remained composed and professional throughout the exchange.

Media watchdog groups are now calling on Fox News to issue an apology and to reevaluate its editorial decisions. “This wasn’t just a missed opportunity to celebrate Serena Williams’ achievements — it was a textbook example of how not to conduct an interview,” said Lisa Morales, director of MediaWatch, a nonprofit organization that monitors bias in journalism.

As the criticism continues to mount, it remains unclear whether Fox News will take further action or if Watters himself will address the controversy. For many fans of Serena Williams, however, the damage has already been done.

“She’s a legend,” one viewer tweeted. “And she deserves to be treated like one — not interrogated for headlines.”