Serena Williams—a name that transcends tennis and has become synonymous with excellence, power, and global influence. On the court, she built a legacy that few athletes, in any sport, can rival. Off the court, her impact continues to ripple through fashion, business, and media, making her one of the most recognizable figures worldwide. Even after retiring in 2022, Serena’s star power remains undeniable, with brands eager to associate themselves with her. However, her latest commercial venture has sparked controversy, casting a shadow on her otherwise spotless post-tennis career.
The 42-year-old recently appeared in an advertisement for AbbVie, an American pharmaceutical giant, promoting Ubrelvy, a medication designed to treat migraines. The ad claims that just “one dose works fast to eliminate migraine pain,” a bold promise that has drawn the ire of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has criticized the ad, calling the claim not only misleading but unproven. The agency issued a warning to AbbVie, stating that no clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of a single dose of Ubrelvy in curing migraines. What’s more, the FDA expressed concern over Williams’ involvement, pointing out that featuring a celebrity of her stature can amplify misleading claims, making them more believable to the public.
This isn’t the first time the FDA has raised concerns about Ubrelvy’s advertising. Back in 2020, when the drug was promoted by Allergan (later acquired by AbbVie), similar issues were brought to light. The FDA has now demanded that AbbVie either discontinue the ad or stop distributing the drug until the claims are corrected.
Serena’s relationship with AbbVie isn’t new, but this latest controversy has led some to question the ethics of using her immense influence to promote a drug under scrutiny. While Williams has built her career on transparency, hard work, and grit, this episode serves as a reminder that even global icons must tread carefully when lending their name to powerful industries like pharmaceuticals.
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Taking to her Instagram in 2020, Williams promoted the brand and wrote, “I’m proud to share my story through the @ubrelvy campaign, as I have struggled to find a medication that I could take without worrying when or where I took it. Now with #UBRELVY, I have something that relieves my #migraine attacks and that I can take anytime, anywhere without worrying where I am or what I’m doing.” However, this is not the first time that Williams’ advertisements have captured headlines.
When Serena Williams highlighted discrimination through commercial advertisement
Serena Williams is not just known for her skills but also for voicing herself in favor of the empowerment of women players in the sports arena. It was in 2019, that the legendary tennis star captured headlines after her advertisement with Nike highlighted the double standards that women face in professional spaces.
In the minute-and-a-half advertisement promoting Nike’s Dream Crazier, Williams can be seen making sensational statements. “If we show emotion, we’re called dramatic,” she said in the advertisement. “If we want to play against men, we’re nuts. And if we dream of equal opportunity, we’re delusional. When we stand for something we’re unhinged. When we’re too good, there’s something wrong with us. And if we get angry, we’re hysterical, irrational, or just plain crazy.” Further in the advertisement, Williams motivated the women and said, “So if they want to call you crazy? Fine. Show them what crazy can do.”
