Serena Williams Breaks Her Silence on Meghan Markle and Emma Thynn: “I Respect Emma. As for Meghan—She’s Lost My Trust.”

In a candid and unexpected revelation, tennis icon Serena Williams has opened up about the state of her personal relationships—specifically her once-public friendship with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and her current bond with Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath. And what she had to say has left fans and media insiders stunned.

During a recent interview with a European lifestyle magazine, Williams spoke openly about the people who have supported her in recent years—and those who haven’t.

“I’ve always been private when it comes to friendships,” Serena began. “But I think there’s a time when the truth matters more than silence. I have deep respect for Emma Thynn. She’s intelligent, loyal, and never tried to use me for anything. That’s rare in the circles we move in.”

Emma Thynn, Britain’s first Black Marchioness and a known advocate for diversity in aristocratic spaces, has maintained a relatively low profile in the American press—but Serena made it clear that their connection runs deep.

“With Emma, there’s honesty. She lifts other women up. That kind of energy is priceless,” Serena said warmly.

But when asked about Meghan Markle, the tone shifted dramatically.

Once believed to be close friends—attending each other’s major life events, including Serena’s baby shower and Meghan’s royal wedding—the two high-profile women seemed inseparable for a time. However, according to Serena, appearances may have been misleading.

“Let’s just say this: I don’t keep people around who betray my trust,” Serena said firmly. “I’ve seen what Meghan is capable of when things don’t go her way. After what she did, I just don’t see her the same. She’s not someone I think about anymore—and definitely not someone I look up to.”

Though Serena declined to go into detail about what exactly caused the fallout, sources close to the tennis star suggest that a series of personal and professional slights over the past few years led to the deterioration of the friendship. Some even claim Meghan may have attempted to leverage her friendship with Serena for public sympathy or media influence—something Serena, a woman known for earning her success through resilience and discipline, could never respect.

“When you give someone your time, your platform, your loyalty—and they turn around and use it for their own agenda—it’s not just disappointing, it’s offensive,” a source close to Serena commented anonymously.

This statement marks a significant departure from the narrative many fans believed about the two women’s friendship. And while Serena remains gracious, she made it clear: her trust is not easily regained.

As for Emma Thynn, Serena hinted at future collaborations, possibly even philanthropic initiatives that promote diversity and education—two causes close to both women’s hearts.

“With the right people around you, you grow. With the wrong ones—you learn,” Serena concluded.

And with that, the tennis legend left no room for misinterpretation: respect must be earned—and kept.