American female tennis star, Serena Williams showed another side of her maverick self by singing topless in a social media video shoot to support the fight against breast cancer.
The internet was set abuzz at the weekend, as Serena wowed the world with her fingers across her breasts, while singing “I Touch Myself” to raise awareness for breast cancer.
The video appeared less than three weeks after her tempestuous US Open final defeat to Naomi Osaka, where Williams smashed a racket and accused an umpire of sexism.
The video was viewed more than 1.3 million times in the first 10 hours after it was posted early Sunday with fans lauding the tennis superstar for her bravery in performing the song.
However, just like her tantrums during her US Open final loss to Naomi Osaka of Japan, Serena again set tongues wagging in controversy, with various reactions following her latest show.
Some critics feel she erred in her decision to go almost naked in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia, while singing a version of a 1991 hit song by Australian band, The Divinyls.
The song was co-written by Divinyls Australian vocalist Chrissy Amphlett who died of breast cancer five years ago aged 53.
Nonetheless, Serena, who recently celebrated her 37th birthday, pulled out of the China Open, in an early end to her 2018 season, her first back on tour since giving birth to a daughter a year ago, said she means well.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion said: “The music video is part of the I Touch Myself Project which was created in honour of celebrated diva, Chrissy Amphlett, who passed away from breast cancer, and who gave us her hit song to remind women to put their health first.
“This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit ‘I Touch Myself’ to remind women to self-check regularly.
“I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colours, all around the world. Early detection is key — it saves so many lives.”
