Richard Williams III, the half-brother of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams, was born to Richard Williams and his first wife, Betty Johnson, in 1967. He was the couple’s eldest child among four other siblings — Ronner, Reluss, Sabrina, and Reneeka Williams. Eight years into the couple’s tumultuous marriage, they decided to part ways in 1973.
Subsequently, Richard Williams remarried Oracene Price. Their union resulted in the birth of Venus and Serena Williams, globally renowned tennis champions. Aside from Venus and Serena, Richard Williams III also has a half-brother named Dylan Williams and a half-sister named Katrina Jones from his father’s subsequent relationships.
Richard Williams III’s relationship with his father has been far from perfect. According to family accounts, he and his siblings experienced a challenging childhood marked by their father’s absence. Here’s his story.
Richard Williams III’s Background
Richard Williams III and his siblings were essentially abandoned by their father, who left their mother, Betty, to single-handedly care for their family. This unfortunate circumstance led to hardships, with two of Richard’s brothers, Ronner and LeSane, ending up in prison while Reluss experienced homelessness.
Sabrina, Richard Williams III’s eldest sister, has suggested that Venus and Serena indirectly owe their success to the sacrifices made by their mother. Despite their father’s absence, Betty managed to provide for their family.
Sabrina said:
“[Venus and Serena] know they walked right over our backs. All that money Richard should have been sending us, my mother had to work for that. Indirectly, they are where they are because of my mother’s sacrifices.”
Sabrina Williams
Richard Williams III’s sister refers to their father as merely a “sperm donor,” accusing him of being a serial cheater. She claims their father left them when she was just eight, promising to return with a bicycle — a promise he never fulfilled.
She further shared that their father resurfaced when she was ten but was hardly involved in their lives. He reportedly made false claims about his achievements. According to her, he stated that he had attended prestigious institutions and played for well-known sports teams. But there is little truth in such claims.
Why Did Richard Williams and Sabrina Criticize Their Father’s Biopic “King Richard?”
Richard Williams III and his sister Sabrina strongly criticized the 2021 biopic “King Richard,” which depicts their father’s journey as Venus and Serena Williams’ coach. They took issue with the film’s disregard for their father’s first family, pointing out the absence of the first thirty years of his life and his previous marriage.
Sabrina claimed the film to be incomplete and exaggerated, stating that it portrayed an inaccurate image of their father. She further criticized actor Will Smith, who acted the role of their father, saying he should have been more interested in telling the complete story. Despite harsh criticisms, Sabrina expressed more pity for her father than anger.
Richard Williams III’s Mother
Richard Williams III and Sabrina’s mother, Betty, passed away on December 14, 1998, after battling cancer and other health issues. Sabrina mentioned their father’s disinterest in their mother’s well-being. She accused him of choosing tennis for Venus and Serena solely as a means to wealth.
Richard Williams III’s Relationship With His Father
Information about Richard Williams III’s relationship with his father remains scarce. Richard Williams suffered two strokes in 2016, leaving him unable to speak and incapacitated. His son, Chavoita LeSane, now manages his care.
Richard Williams III’s story is a reminder that the glamor of celebrity life often hides more profound, more complex familial stories. It’s much like the story of Suge Knight’s career overshadowing his role as a father.
