Serena Williams hosted the ESPYs last night in a total of 16 outfits. I didn’t watch the show, but I did just watch her opening monologue and that’s what she said at one point. A woman doesn’t play about the number of looks, so I believe her. 

 

Have you noticed that Serena has been turning it wayyyyy up with the fashion lately? Kesha McLeod is her stylist and they have taken it to the next level this year. With all those options, her opening look was the right choice. It’s Armani, exquisitely fitted, and gold straps on the top like a sports bra, perfect for the occasion and probably the most comfortable out of all her outfits for her during the heaviest lift of her hosting duties, which was the monologue. 

As much as I love Serena, though, the monologue was bumpy. There were some stumbles and her timing was off a few times so those jokes fell flat. But as she said, she’s done everything – she’s won everything, she’s made award-winning films and documentaries, and since she’s always looking to challenge herself, she accepted this opportunity, and if we’re comparing her to other athletes that have taken on the assignment, people who do are experts in their respective sports, she did just fine. It’s another reminder that hosting, as a profession, is hard! Especially when it’s live! This might sound self-serving but I do this for a living so I’m standing on business for me and my colleagues – our job requires skill and experience. 

 

But here's the business that Serena can stand on that my colleagues and I probably couldn’t and it happened during a part of the show when she was joined by Venus and Quinta Brunson to talk about women’s sports. No stumbles here. The line was perfectly delivered. 

If you know who they’re talking about, I don’t need to explain. If you don’t know who they’re talking about, well, it’s better that way because f-ck that guy. By the way, that blazer dress on Serena, with the leaf/feather on one shoulder, is probably my favourite of all her looks. All three of them are glorious.

Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson and Venus Williams at The 2024 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California
 

Now where the gossip is concerned, and those recent rumours about whether or not Serena and Alexis’s marriage is in trouble, that was taken care of last week when Alexis posted a photo of them on Instagram but just to shut that down completely…

By the way, those rumours originated at Media Takeout. Not the best track record. 

 

And then there’s the Sussex of it all. Serena shouted them out near the end of her monologue, made a joke warning them not to pull focus from her, and also posed with them on the carpet. 

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California.

That photo was taken mid-show, as Prince Harry and Meghan did not walk the carpet during arrivals. Meghan is wearing Staud, a dress reminiscent of the second look at their wedding. If you’re interested, it’s currently on sale. 

 

The Sussexes were there because Harry was receiving the Pat Tillman Award. There’s been some controversy about this because Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, told the Daily Mail that she did not support the decision to honour Harry with the award. Before taking the stage, Harry was introduced by previous Pat Tillman Award recipients Sergeant Kirstie Ennis, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, and Sergeant Israel Del Toro. Harry opened remarks by addressing Mary Tillman and Marie Tillman, Pat’s widow, who is also head of the Tillman Foundation. 

“I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight. I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother. Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”

It was a beautiful gesture, and of course Mrs Tillman does not have to accept it, but given all the noise about his receiving the award leading up to the moment, that was probably the best he could do to acknowledge the situation. 

 

Harry went on to speak passionately about the Invictus Games, which is why he was being honoured – the values that the games and the athletes represent, the difference it makes in the lives of the participants and their families, and the example that their efforts can set for others. 

Even for those who can’t stand Harry and Meghan, it’s undeniable the work he’s put into the Invictus Games and the impact it has on the servicepeople for whom they exist. The organisation recently marked its tenth anniversary, a major achievement. And Invictus continues to grow. Next up, Vancouver Whistler 2025. Not too far away now, happening in early February. The Games in Germany last year were a great success and I was just in Vancouver last month and talked to a few people on some of the planning committees for the event. They’re anticipating a really strong turnout, they’re hoping it’s a two-city takeover capturing global attention. If the rollout is anything like we’ve seen in the previous decade from Invictus, and if they can execute it as well, given this amount of growth, as they have in the past, it’s going to be an even bigger achievement. 

We're Squawking about Serena and the Sussexes today. (app link here)

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Serena Williams attended the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California.
Photo credits: Gilbert Flores/ Tommaso Boddi/ Frazer Harrison/ Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images

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