Serena Williams Responds to ‘Ridiculous’ Skin Bleaching Rumors

Serena Williams Responds to ‘Absurd’ Skin Bleaching Rumors

Serena Williams isn’t holding back when it comes to recent social media buzz about her skin tone. The 23-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram Live to address speculation that she had lightened her skin, an issue that was sparked after she posted a video from a school event for her daughter, Olympia, 7.

In the live stream on December 2, Williams directly confronted the gossip while sharing her makeup routine. “For all the haters out there, no, I do not bleach my skin,” she emphasized as she applied under-eye makeup. She explained that she was using “stage makeup” for her daughter’s school play, noting that different lighting can create variations in skin color. “There’s a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she added.

Williams expressed her frustration with the assumptions being made, declaring, “I’m a proud Black woman, and I love who I am and how I look. It’s ridiculous that everyone thinks I would bleach my skin.” She continued, “I don’t judge those who choose to do it; that’s their choice. But this is about me staying in my lane, the non-judgmental lane.”

In her video, Williams made it clear that any changes in her appearance are simply due to lighting or makeup choices, and she wanted to dispel the unfounded rumors once and for all. She also mentioned that she is currently enjoying life with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, including their new addition, Adira.

As she sets the record straight, Williams is also supporting Ohanian through a recent health challenge. He mentioned having surgery on his thyroid to remove potentially cancerous nodules and shared this personal update with his followers. “I hate cancer,” Ohanian wrote, expressing his determination to address the health scare proactively.

With her characteristic confidence and grace, Serena Williams stands firm against scrutiny, reminding everyone of her pride in her identity and beauty.