Tennis icon and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams is no stranger to the spotlight, but recently, she found herself addressing an unexpected controversy. In an Instagram Live video on Monday, Williams fired back at allegations suggesting she had bleached her skin.
The rumors began swirling after Williams posted a video from a school event with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters. Critics claimed her appearance in the video looked lighter than usual, prompting the star to address the matter head-on.
“And then I put just that neutral color, that is actually my skin color, and no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin,” she said in the video, as reported by People magazine. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors.”
Williams clarified that the video in question was taken while she was wearing “stage makeup,” which can often alter the appearance of one’s complexion on camera.
“Yes, I’m calling you out on this because it is ridiculous,” she said. “Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, she bleached her skin.’ I’m a dark, Black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look.”
The tennis legend also expressed empathy for those who choose to bleach their skin, stating she does not judge anyone for their personal choices. “That’s what this world is about, and I stay in my lane — the non-judgy one. But no, I actually don’t bleach my skin, so can we just kinda clear that up?”
Life Beyond Tennis
Since stepping back from the sport, the 43-year-old has been embracing retirement while navigating some personal challenges. In October, Williams shared on TikTok that she had undergone surgery to remove a large cyst from her neck.
“It kinda hurt coming out. Obviously, I went under for it, but they had to put a drain in it because it was so much,” Williams said, reflecting on the experience. “But everything worked out, and I feel really happy to have worked with some great doctors.”
Williams’ candor about her health journey and her unapologetic stance on self-love have only strengthened her connection with fans.
A Balanced Perspective
While Serena Williams’ rebuttal sheds light on the challenges of living under public scrutiny, it also underscores the broader conversation about how beauty standards and colorism affect perceptions. Her response not only affirms her pride in her identity but also advocates for understanding and acceptance, regardless of individual choices.
As the debate simmers online, Williams continues to stand tall as an icon of self-confidence and resilience, inspiring fans worldwide to embrace their authentic selves.