Serena Williams recently took to Instagram to address ongoing rumors about her skin tone, clearing the air regarding accusations of skin bleaching. The 43-year-old tennis legend, who boasts a massive 17.3 million followers on the platform, shared a candid moment as she applied her concealer and explained to fans that the color she was wearing was actually her natural skin tone. In a direct message to her critics, she firmly stated, “No, I do not bleach my skin.” Williams’ post comes in the wake of a viral TikTok video that generated a flurry of online speculation about her complexion.
In the video, which featured Williams alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, 40, the couple was volunteering at their daughter Olympia’s school play. Critics quickly accused Williams of lightening her skin, suggesting she had undergone chemical peels or other cosmetic procedures to achieve a paler appearance. This backlash, Williams pointed out, was not only unfounded but deeply hurtful, as it touched on a larger issue of racial stereotypes and body image in the public eye.
Addressing the allegations head-on, Williams explained that the lighter shade in the video was due to “stage makeup” applied for the school event. She further clarified that her complexion naturally changes in different lighting, particularly when exposed to sunlight, emphasizing the importance of context when judging a person’s appearance. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she said. This statement was not just a defense of her natural beauty but also an educational moment for those who jump to conclusions based on superficial observations.The tennis icon went on to express frustration with the public’s tendency to make assumptions about her skin tone, particularly when such speculation is tied to a broader narrative of racial prejudice.
“I’m a dark Black woman, and I love who I am and I love how I look,” Williams stated confidently.
She acknowledged that while people may make choices about their appearance, including skin lightening, she does not engage in such practices. “If people do it, that’s their thing, and they have every opportunity to do so,” she added. “But you guys do [judge], and that’s what this world is about.”
Her impassioned post also addressed the wider issue of judgment in the public sphere, particularly towards Black women, and reiterated her commitment to staying true to herself. Williams, who has faced criticism and scrutiny throughout her career—especially for her bold presence in the predominantly white world of professional tennis—has long been an advocate for challenging false narratives. She reflected on her experiences in sports, saying, “No matter what you do, it’s always, ‘Oh, she’s mean,’ or ‘Oh, she’s this,’ and none of that is necessarily true.” Williams emphasized the importance of breaking down these false stereotypes and embracing one’s authentic self. “I think it’s something that we have to talk about and embrace more. ‘These barriers also have to be broken down.’ And I’m okay to do that too.”
In addition to confronting the skin lightening rumors, Williams used the platform to promote her makeup brand, Wyn Beauty, which she founded to address the needs of deeper skin tones. The brand is focused on providing makeup that is versatile and practical, designed for people who live real lives and not just for photoshoots. Wyn Beauty’s products, which Williams described as “makeup you can move in,” are tested with deeper skin tones as the starting point, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry.
Serena’s words resonated with many of her followers, who voiced their support in the comments section. One supporter pointed out, “Serena is not bleaching. Your skin changes as you get older, if you look at your aunts and moms, you would know that. Leave this unproblematic woman alone.” Others, like Twitter user @swan_coat, criticized the public for projecting unwarranted hatred onto Williams simply because of her marriage to a white man.
While defending her skin tone, Williams also shared a recent disappointing experience when her family was turned away from a five-star hotel’s rooftop restaurant. The hotel responded to the incident, explaining that the restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, was fully booked and they could not accommodate walk-ins, despite the empty seats Williams had noticed. This experience only added to the frustration of dealing with public misconceptions and mistreatment.
Overall, Williams’ statement was not only a response to criticism about her skin tone but also a reaffirmation of her commitment to self-love and authenticity. In a world that often tries to box people into categories, Serena Williams continues to challenge those norms, advocating for a society that embraces diversity and individuality.
