The French Open announced on Friday, that Serena Williams would not be able to wear her famed “Black Panther”-inspired catsuit outfit at the event any longer. That decision, however, has sparked backlash among Hollywood fans.
Using the hashtag #getoffhercourt, celebrities such as Stephen Amell of Arrow, Shonda Rimes, and Hunger Games star Elizabeth Banks, flocked to Twitter to defend Williams.
“The game seems quite content to be played no matter what women wear,” Shonda Rhimes tweeted in response to the ruling.
In response to the ESPN article reporting the decision to ban the catsuit, Stephen Amell tweeted: “This article should read, “@serenawilliams could show up in pajamas with her kid strapped to her back and we’d still be lucky to have her.”
According to the Wrap, “In addition to the Wakanda-inspired catsuit making her feel like a superhero, Williams also wears the black compression bodysuit for health reasons. After suffering from medical complications, specifically blood clots, following the birth of her daughter last year, the 36-year-old said she wears pants to help with circulation.”
However, Williams’ medical concerns and the support of her fans, fell on deaf ears when it came to the decision makers at the French Open.
In an interview with Tennis Magazine, French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli told that new rules would specifically prohibit the “catsuit.”
“It will no longer be accepted,” Giudicelli said. “One must respect the game and the place.”
This comment drew a sharp rebuke from Shonda Rimes, who suggested Guidicelli needed to spend more time on his own wardrobe.
The game seems quite content to be played no matter what women wear. Perhaps this man should focus on his own fashion choices and respect the GOAT's rights to wear whatever the hell she pleases. #getoffhercourt https://t.co/sS7QcyJp3y
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 24, 2018
Other celebrities took exception to Guidicelli’s comments as well, including longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn:
You got to be kidding me. @serenawilliams is just the greatest woman tennis player in history, saved American tennis, and you’re changing the rules to ban her fashion choice. Embarrassing decision French Open officials! https://t.co/9sGObuuKbo
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 24, 2018
Hunger Games actress Elizabeth Banks also weighed-in:
The amount of control men feel the need to exert over women is petty-level with this one. @serenawilliams is the GOAT. The game respects HER. https://t.co/nXEYCcKZPj
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 24, 2018
As did actress and comedian Paula Poundstone:
Dear Serena Williams, Your cat suit looks great, and I should know. I have 14 cats. Besides, you practically ARE tennis.
Love,
An admirer— Paula Poundstone (@paulapoundstone) August 24, 2018
She is not wearing crotchless panties for God’s Sake.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) August 24, 2018
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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