Venus Williams

Williams was driving a vehicle involved in a collision in Florida after which a 78-year-old passenger died. An initial police assessment suggested failure to yield, and a wrongful death civil action was filed. Video subsequently showed that she had lawfully entered the intersection before being blocked by another vehicle; police concluded that she had not violated traffic laws. The civil action was ultimately settled confidentially.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Directly implicated

Venus Williams withdrew shortly before a 2001 Indian Wells semi-final against sister Serena because of injury, reigniting allegations that their father arranged matches between his daughters. The family subsequently condemned booing and racist insults during Serena's final. Venus did not return to the tournament for fifteen years, until 2016.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams refused to attend mandatory press conferences following certain Grand Slam defeats. She was fined $3,000 at Roland-Garros in 2015 and $5,000 at the 2016 Australian Open, one of the highest media-related fines imposed on a female player at the time.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Fancy Bears group published medical data hacked from anti-doping systems, revealing therapeutic use exemptions granted to Williams for various medications. The leak was used online to fuel doping suspicions.

At the 2010 Roland-Garros tournament, Williams wore an outfit featuring flesh-coloured shorts and sheer effects, triggering considerable media coverage and reactions concerning supposed nudity, decency and the sexualisation of female players.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Williams became a central figure in the campaign for equal prize money for men and women at Wimbledon. She wrote publicly on the matter, met officials and, alongside other players, raised the possibility of collective action. In 2007, Wimbledon announced equal prize money.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated