The new GQ magazine featuring Serena Williams as ‘the woman of the year’ has once again brought her into social media controversy.
The internationally-acclaimed men's publication selected the 37-year-old, who has captured 23 Grand Slam titles in her illustrious career, as their sole woman of the year. She was joined by male honorees, director of the year, Jonah Hill, as well as actors Henry Golding (star of the year) and Michael B. Jordan (leader of the year).
The decision to put the word “woman” in quotes, as handwritten by designer and Williams’ collaborator, Virgil Abloh, sparked outrage on social media. Some critics argued that the use of the inverted commas was linked to ugly accusations surrounding Williams' gender.
"Someone I follow pointed out that GQMagazine decided to put woman in quotes on Serena's cover and I too am offended and disgusted knowing the gender slights and digs people still throw at serenawilliams," an upset fan tweeted.
Williams' muscular physique has been a contradictory topic throughout her brilliant career. She admitted in an interview in 2018 that the derogatory remarks about her were cruel and had affected her at times.
"People would say I was born a guy, all because of my arms, or because I'm strong," she told Business Insider. "I was different to [sister] Venus: She was thin and tall and beautiful, and I am strong and muscular – and beautiful, but, you know, it was just totally different."
"I've been called man because I appeared outwardly strong," she wrote. "It has been said that that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage). It has been said I don't belong in Women's sports -- that I belong in Men's -- because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this badass body and proud of it)."
Williams’ has been in the topic of heated public debate earlier this year.
A blow-up at the chair umpire during her US Open final with Naomi Osaka split opinions around the world over whether she was treated unfairly because of her gender.
Herald Sun’s cartoonist, Mark Knight, published a caricature of Williams having a tantrum while jumping on her racket, which caused further anger.