Serena Willams’ Music Video Sparks Awareness and Controversy

Just when you think Serena Williams has done it all, she goes out and posts a song on her IG account. Aside from being a tennis legend, entrepreneur and mother, Serena Williams can also carry a tune!

The video features a topless Williams singing Divinyl’s “I Touch Myself” to show her support for breast cancer survivors.

While critics are quick to point out that there are other ways to raise awareness, Serena got what she wanted. As of today, her post has over 2.2 Million likes and generated considerable media mileage. The caption reads:

“This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of Divinyl’s hit “I Touch Myself” to remind women to self-check regularly. Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colors, all round the world. Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps remind women of that.”

Serena has always been an outspoken activist for gender equality and female empowerment.

Just last month, she was cited for three code violations during the game. In an interview, Serena told her side of the story, saying that she believes that the umpire treated her differently because of her gender.

In the post-game interview, Serena narrated how male players have called umpires worst names than “thief” but somehow were not reprimanded like she was. “For me to say ‘thief’, and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief’. For me, it blows my mind. But I’m going to continue to fight for women.”

Serena’s video was made in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia and lingerie brand Berlei.

Divinyl’s lead singer, the legendary Chrissy Amphlett, was the inspiration behind the whole “I Touch Myself” campaign. Before she succumbed to the disease 5 years ago, Chrissy lead a brave campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Berlei has released a limited-edition bra called the Chrissy. In true Rockstar fashion, the bra is in a hot snakeskin print that’s both sexy and empowering. A hundred percent of profits will be donated to the BCNA and used to help and empower survivors in Australia.

Indeed, both women have a lot of things in common. They’re both strong, outspoken and not afraid to think out of the box.