Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian defends Gabby Thomas with 3-word message as she faces racist harassment over Harvard education

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently showed his support for American sprinter Gabby Thomas after she became the target of racist accusations regarding her Harvard degree. Ohanian voiced his displeasure with those making the baseless allegations.

Thomas is not only an elite athlete and Olympic gold medalist, but she is also very well educated. Before turning professional, the 28-year-old completed her undergraduate studies in neurobiology and global health at Harvard University. The American then earned a master's degree in public health and epidemiology from the University of Texas and has even disclosed her plans to pursue a PhD.

However, Gabby Thomas recently took to social media and revealed that she had been flooded with a barrage of comments on X, with racist users claiming that she didn't earn her admission to Harvard or her diploma solely because she is Black.

"Today, on Jan 26, 2025, there are hundreds of people commenting on my Twitter page that specifically because I am black, they must assume I did not earn my admission into Harvard nor did I earn my diploma. Is this real life??" Thomas posted on X.

In response, Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, condemned the harassment Thomas faced, referring to the people behind the attacks as "clowns."

"Clowns, not people," Ohanian responded.

Ohanian has often displayed his support for Gabby Thomas on social media. Earlier this month, the 41-year-old also expressed his admiration for the sprinter's striking appearance on the cover of Vogue.

"She ate," he commented.

"Weird behavior to think anyone would "own" an athlete" - Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian defends Gabby Thomas joining rival competition

Serena Williams with her husband Alexis Ohanian- Source: Getty

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian's support for Gabby Thomas comes as no surprise, as the duo share a professional connection. Thomas was a high-profile participant in the inaugural edition of Athlos NYC, a women's track and field event organized by the Reddit co-founder.

When Thomas later joined Grand Slam Track, a similar track and field competition, an X user called out Ohanian for letting the "face of his meet" compete in a rival event.

"@alexisohanian how you let the opps that you hate so much sign the face of your track meet💀💔," the user posted.

However, the 41-year-old denounced the user's "weird behavior" for implying he "owned" Thomas and emphasized that she deserved all the opportunities coming her way.

"I'm so happy for all the people who have followed us @athlos and started investing in the sport! @itsgabbyt deserves everything and more. Weird behavior from you to think anyone would "own" an athlete tbh....," he responded.

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, was recently also delighted to witness Gabby Thomas being hailed as an "inspiration."