Serena Williams and family reportedly denied entry to French restaurant, hotel forced to issue apology

After it was claimed that former American tennis player Serena Williams was refused access to the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, a posh Parisian hotel was compelled to issue an apology to Williams and her family.

“Hell no, @peninsulaparis I’ve been turned away from better establishments’ rooftops where I would have liked to eat, but never with my children. X Monday, Williams wrote, “Always a first.”

Since the beginning of the 2024 Olympics, Williams, 42, has been in Paris with her spouse Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters, Olympia, 6, and Adira, 10 months.

The four-time gold medallist at the Olympics participated in the torch relay this year, which carried the torch from the Seine to the Olympic Cauldron. Nadia Comăneci, Carl Lewis, and Rafael Nadal joined her throughout her section.

PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 23: On June 23, 2024, in Paris, France, Serena Williams walks the runway at Vogue World: Paris at Place Vendome. (Image via Getty Images/Marc Piasecki for Vogue)

Williams tried to eat at the rooftop restaurant of the Peninsula Paris, a five-star hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower, after more than a week of games.

Williams, however, stated that despite what she described as a “empty restaurant,” she and her family were refused admittance when they arrived.

The Peninsula Paris extended their support to as many fans as possible.

Greetings, Mrs. WilliamsWe sincerely apologize for the disappointment you had this evening. The hotel’s answer was, “Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was in fact fully booked and the only empty tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”

They said, “It has always been an honor to welcome you, and it will always be to welcome you again.”

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 14: On August 14, 2018, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, during the Western & Southern Open, Serena Williams (USA) reacts. (Image courtesy of Getty Images and Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire))

Many are unclear of how to interpret the hotel’s reaction, even if Williams has not yet responded. “You set up a table for her,” exclaimed some, while “She ought to apologize to your team,” held the opinion of others.

Am I Right for Not Inviting My Sister to My Wedding after She Ruined My Proposal?

Jake’s dream proposal to Emma was ruined when his sister, Lisa, hijacked the moment with drunken antics and snarky comments. Now, as their wedding day approaches, Jake faces a family feud over the decision to exclude Lisa, leaving him to question if he’s justified in protecting their special day.

I had always imagined my wedding day as perfect. But now, I faced a dilemma. My sister, who ruined my proposal, was not invited. My family was angry. Was I wrong?

A frustrated man | Source: Pexels

A frustrated man | Source: Pexels

My name is Jake, and I’m 29. My girlfriend, Emma, and I have been together for three years. We met at a coffee shop, and it was love at first sight. She is kind, smart, and beautiful. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. So, I planned a special proposal.

I wanted the proposal to be unforgettable. I chose the beach where we had our first date. It was secluded and romantic. I decorated the spot with flowers and fairy lights and hired a violinist to play our favorite song. And, I bought fireworks to light up the night sky.

Beach at night | Source: Pexels

Beach at night | Source: Pexels

On the day of the proposal, I was excited and nervous. Everything was perfect. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Emma’s face.

As we walked to the beach, I held Emma’s hand. She had no idea what was about to happen.

“This walk is so nice,” Emma said, smiling up at me.

“Yeah, it is,” I replied, my heart racing.

Emma on the beach | Source: Midjourney

Emma on the beach | Source: Midjourney

Just then, I saw my sister, Lisa, approaching us. I was shocked.

“Lisa, what are you doing here?” I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

“Hey, Jake! I thought I’d tag along and take some candid photos for you guys,” she said, holding up her camera.

“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, feeling uneasy.

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Lisa insisted.

Reluctantly, I agreed. As we reached the beach, Lisa started acting strange. She made snarky comments and tried to direct everything.

“Jake, move a little to the left,” she said, waving her hand.

“Lisa, stop. You’re ruining the moment,” I whispered.

Woman takes a photo on the beach | Source: Pexels

Woman takes a photo on the beach | Source: Pexels

“Relax, I’m just helping,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

Emma looked confused. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I said, trying to keep calm.

But then, Lisa did something unforgivable. She grabbed the ring box from my pocket and shouted, “Surprise! Look what he’s going to do!”

Lisa stole the box from Jake | Source: Midjourney

Lisa stole the box from Jake | Source: Midjourney

Emma’s eyes widened in shock. “Jake, is this…?”

I nodded, feeling my heart sink. The moment was ruined.

“Lisa, what the hell?” I shouted, furious.

“Oh, come on, Jake. It was just a joke,” Lisa said, laughing.

Shocked happy woman | Source: Pexels

Shocked happy woman | Source: Pexels

I turned to Emma, who looked hurt and disappointed. “I’m so sorry, Emma. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.”

Emma and I tried to salvage the proposal, but the magic was gone. She said yes, but it wasn’t the moment we had both dreamed of.

Later that night, I confronted Lisa.

An angry man | Source: Pexels

An angry man | Source: Pexels

“You ruined everything,” I said, anger boiling inside me.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Jake. I was just trying to help,” she said, shrugging.

“Help? You call that help? You embarrassed me and ruined a special moment,” I replied, my voice shaking.

“You’re overreacting. It’s not a big deal,” Lisa said dismissively.

A laughing woman | Source: Pexels

A laughing woman | Source: Pexels

Planning the wedding was supposed to be a joyful time for Emma and me. After the proposal fiasco, we agreed on one thing: we wanted our wedding to be drama-free. This meant not inviting my sister, Lisa.

“Jake, we can’t risk her ruining our day,” Emma said one evening as we discussed the guest list.

“I know. I just don’t want any more chaos,” I replied, feeling a knot in my stomach.

A couple has a serious talk | Source: Pexels

A couple has a serious talk | Source: Pexels

When we told my parents, their reaction was immediate and intense.

“How can you not invite your own sister?” my mom exclaimed, her face red with anger.

“She ruined the proposal, Mom. We don’t want a repeat performance,” I tried to explain.

“She’s family, Jake. You’re being heartless,” my dad chimed in.

A disapproving elderly man | Source: Pexels

A disapproving elderly man | Source: Pexels

Lisa, of course, played the victim.

“You’re tearing this family apart over a little joke,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “I just wanted to help.”

Despite the backlash, Emma and I stood firm. We deserved a special day without any disruptions.

Crying woman | Source: Pexels

Crying woman | Source: Pexels

The day of the wedding arrived, and everything was going smoothly. Emma looked stunning in her dress, and I couldn’t wait to say “I do.” The ceremony was set on the beach, just like our first date.

As we exchanged vows, I noticed a commotion near the back. To my horror, Lisa had shown up, uninvited and clearly drunk.

“Jake! Emma! I’m here to celebrate!” she slurred, stumbling toward us.

Shocked guests at the wedding | Source: Midjourney

Shocked guests at the wedding | Source: Midjourney

The guests whispered and stared. Emma’s face turned pale. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Lisa, you need to leave,” I said firmly, stepping in front of her.

“Why? I’m your sister. I deserve to be here,” she shouted, drawing more attention.

“You’re causing a scene. Please, just go,” I insisted.

Jake stands in Lisa's way | Source: Midjourney

Jake stands in Lisa’s way | Source: Midjourney

She ignored me and continued to make a spectacle. “Everyone, let’s toast to the happy couple!” she yelled, raising an empty glass.

I had no choice. I signaled the security we had hired for the event. They escorted her out, much to her protest.

“Jake, you’re making a mistake! This is my family too!” she screamed as they led her away.

A screaming woman | Source: Pexels

A screaming woman | Source: Pexels

Once she was gone, the ceremony resumed. Emma and I exchanged rings and shared our first kiss as husband and wife. Despite the earlier disruption, the rest of the day was filled with joy and love.

Looking back, I still feel conflicted about how everything unfolded. Was I right to exclude my sister? Could I have handled it differently? My parents are still upset, and Lisa continues to act like the victim.

Angry middle aged man | Source: Pexels

Angry middle aged man | Source: Pexels

“Jake, did we do the right thing?” Emma asked me as we relaxed after the wedding.

“I think we did. We needed to protect our day,” I replied, though doubt lingered in my mind.

What do you think? Was I justified in my decision to keep our wedding day special, and free from drama? Or should family always come first, no matter the circumstances?

Man deep in thought | Source: Pexels

Man deep in thought | Source: Pexels

In the end, weddings are about love and commitment. Sometimes, tough decisions have to be made to preserve the happiness of the couple. Family dynamics are complex, and it’s not always easy to balance everyone’s feelings. But when it comes to such a significant day, ensuring it remains about the couple is paramount.

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