Alexis Ohanian Issues Public Apology to Serena Williams: “I Let You Down in the Worst Way”

Alexis Ohanian, tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Reddit, has released an emotional public apology to his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, after images surfaced showing him with another woman in what appeared to be an intimate setting. The photos sparked a storm of speculation and led to a heartbreaking statement from Serena, in which she described feeling “hollow” and “betrayed.”

Now, Ohanian is breaking his silence.

“I Made a Terrible Mistake”

In a statement posted to his official Instagram and Twitter accounts, Ohanian wrote:

“To my wife, Serena — I want to begin by saying I am sorry. Deeply, truly, endlessly sorry. I made a terrible mistake. I let you down in the worst possible way. I failed to honor the loyalty and love you’ve given me so freely for years.”

“You have been nothing but strong, devoted, and extraordinary — not just as a wife and mother, but as a human being. I never meant to hurt you. But I did, and I have to live with that. I take full responsibility.”

“It Was Never Physical — But It Was a Betrayal All the Same”

Ohanian clarified that the relationship in question had not crossed physical boundaries, but admitted that emotional lines had been blurred:

“What happened between me and the woman in those photos was never physical. But emotional betrayal is real — and I crossed that line. I should have never allowed another person to get that close to me in that way. I should have protected our love better.”

He went on to say:

“Even when nothing happens, the very act of secrecy is a choice. And I chose wrong.”

An Apology to His Daughter

The entrepreneur also addressed their 6-year-old daughter, Olympia:

“To our daughter: I’m sorry for letting your mother down. She is the strongest woman I’ve ever known, and she deserves a partner who lives up to her greatness. I want you to grow up seeing what love should be — honest, loyal, and built on trust. I will spend the rest of my life trying to rebuild what I broke.”

“I Will Not Make Excuses”

Ohanian emphasized that he was not making excuses:

“There’s no excuse for my behavior. Not stress, not distance, not ego. This is on me. I’ve asked Serena for forgiveness, but I know I may not deserve it — not now, maybe not ever. But I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep doing the work.”

He concluded his statement with a note of humility:

“I understand if you need space. I’ll be here when — and if — you’re ready. I love you, Serena. Always have. Always will.”

Public Reaction: Mixed But Hopeful

The statement has drawn a flood of reactions online. While some criticized Ohanian for his actions, many praised the honesty and accountability in his words. One top comment read:

“It takes strength to own up to pain you’ve caused. Do the work, not just the words.”

Whether Serena responds — or forgives — remains uncertain. But for now, Ohanian’s apology marks the first step in what will likely be a long road toward healing.