The Royal Festival Hall within London’s Southbank Center hosted the 2023 British Academy Film Awards or BAFTAs, Numerous high-profile names, from the world of entertainment and beyond, attended the event. Among them was 41-year-old American tennis legend Serena Williams. Even across entertainment circles, there are many who look up to Serena, and at the 2023 BAFTAs, it was American-born Nigerian actress Arsema Thomas who couldn’t take her eyes of the 23-time Grand Slam winner.

Like any starstruck fan, Thomas kept staring at Serena. However, for her sake, she probably should have turned her attention to her footwear, as something hilarious happened next.

From eye contact with Serena Williams to falling to the floor

Arsema Thomas, who has earned rave reviews for her performance in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, was recently a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show. During the show, the singer-songwriter quizzed Thomas about her encounter with Serena Williams at the 2023 BAFTAs.

Thomas, in her answer, said, “I mean, I didn’t get to meet her. I must just say that as a disclaimer. We made eye contact.” It was following this eye contact that Thomas fell. She explained, “And then, in the most cosmic of timing, my heel just broke and I fell to the floor”. Clarkson responded, “It happens to the best of us.”

Following this exchange, Thomas went on to comment on the timing of her fall. “It looked just like I had fainted as though I had just seen Serena Williams”. Clarkson asked Thomas, “Was it right in front of her?” In her answer, Thomas said that they “were across the room.”

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Arsema Thomas isn’t the only entertainer to idolize Serena Williams

During her trophy-laden career, Serena Williams served as an inspiration not only for budding tennis players, but also for various entertainers. Many of them have even come out in public with their feelings about how Williams inspired them. For instance, in 2012, rapper Kendrick Lamar paid a glowing tribute to Williams. He heaped praises on her drive to overcome challenges.

Philanthropist and supermodel Karlie Kloss is yet another high-profile name outside tennis to cite Williams as an inspiration. In a 2018 interview, Kloss claimed that Williams’ habit of challenging the status quo is something she constantly learns from.

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