Serena Williams's husband Alexis Ohanian proudly shows off his "latest creation" aimed at protecting athletes from hate and harassment

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, has launched a new venture designed to offer a safe environment for athletes. The Reddit co-founder introduced his new social media platform, which is aimed at providing inside access to track and field athletes.

Ohanian has come to be known for his efforts to promote and support women's sports, having made several key ventures in the space. After investing in the NWSL team Angel City FC, creating the women-only track and field event Athlos, and making a record-breaking donation to his alma mater University of Virginia's women's basketball team, the 41-year-old has made another major move to support athletes.

Alexis Ohanian recently took to social media and shared a glimpse of his "latest creation," the InnerCircle: Athletes First social media app. The Reddit co-founder explained that the platform was aimed at "real fans," while ensuring that the athletes were prioritized since no hate or harassment was tolerated.

Ohanian also included a screenshot of him extending a warm welcome to 10-time British triple jump champion Naomi Metzger after she joined the platform.

"My latest creation. Athletes First: No hate or harassment tolerated. For the real fans. @innercircleapp," Ohanian posted on his Instagram story.

Alexis Ohanian's Instagram story

Alexis Ohanian's efforts to protect athletes from online abuse come as no surprise, given that he witnessed firsthand the negativity Serena Williams had to endure during her playing days.

In a 2020 interview with CNN, Ohanian expressed his dismay at the vitriol directed at his wife, lamenting how "disheartening" it was to see athletes who had excelled in their fields being harassed instead of being celebrated.

"I don’t know how she (Serena Williams) does it," Ohanian said. [These athletes] didn’t get there just because their dad gave them the job and they’re CEO now. This is where we would hope as humanity to see the very best of us shine and then celebrate it."

"It’s incredibly disheartening and discouraging to see the ills of this make the experience so bad for people who have demonstrably excelled," he added.

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"I look like a man, I'm too strong, I must be taking drugs" - Serena Williams on facing 'negative' scrutiny

Serena Williams (Source: Getty)

In an appearance at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit earlier this month, Serena Williams reflected on her own experiences with harassment in the media and online spaces. The American disclosed her firm stance against reading any articles written about her since she won her maiden Grand Slam title.

"From that day of me winning my first Grand Slam until today, I made a stance and I said, I'm not going to read any articles about me. I'm not going to read any press," Serena Williams said.

The former World No. 1 shed light on the barrage of negativity she faced, highlighting the toll of criticism about her physique, skills, and baseless accusations of her taking performance-enhancing drugs.

"Growing up before mental health was a thing, it was only negative stuff - I look like a man, I'm too strong, I can't be that good, I must be taking drugs or whatever it is... Or she's the best in the world she does this it can either inflate you or it can really bring you down," she added.

Despite the negativity, Serena Williams acknowledged that the positive comments could make her feel "untouchable," but she emphasized her desire to stay "real and relatable."