Serena Williams has fiercely responded to “ridiculous” rumors suggesting that she bleaches her skin, shutting down the claims with clarity and confidence. During an Instagram Live makeup tutorial on Monday, the tennis legend took the opportunity to address and dispel the ongoing speculation.
As she applied concealer to her face, Williams spoke directly to those spreading the rumors.
“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,” Williams stated emphatically. She explained that changes in her skin tone were natural and attributed to spending time in the sun. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she said, pointing out that her complexion, like anyone’s, can vary with exposure to different environmental conditions.
Williams, 43, went on to clarify the origin of the rumors, which began after she appeared at her daughter’s school play while wearing heavy stage makeup. The makeup, designed for stage lighting, led some people to make inaccurate assumptions about her appearance.
“I’m calling you out on it because it is ridiculous that everyone is like, ‘Oh, she bleaches her skin,’” Williams said, addressing her critics directly. “I am a dark black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look. And that’s just not my thing, but if people do it, that’s their thing, and they have every opportunity. I don’t judge.”
The 23-time Grand Slam champion used the moment to reaffirm her pride in her identity, emphasizing her self-love and resilience in the face of baseless criticism. She added, “So, can we just kinda clear that up?” making it clear that she wanted to put an end to the false narratives once and for all.
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Williams has consistently been transparent about her beauty routines and the treatments she chooses to undergo. She has never shied away from sharing her journey with her fans, including the challenges she’s faced and the steps she’s taken to take care of herself.
In June, Williams opened up about undergoing treatments on her stomach scars, which were a result of her two pregnancies.
The tennis star shared a candid video of herself receiving treatment, which helped her regain confidence in her body after becoming a mother to daughters Olympia, 6, and Adira, 1. “Being ok to take time for myself is something I have always struggled with,” Williams captioned the post, reflecting on the importance of self-care.
“I finally started being ok to take an hour (during nap time) away from my kids and work to do something for myself,” she added. She recounted a spa day in Paris, gifted to her by a friend who knew she had been self-conscious about her stomach following two pregnancies. In the video, Williams underwent a radio-frequency treatment, a procedure that uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in tighter skin. “I just had to post this video she took,” she wrote, celebrating her progress.
Williams also shared her satisfaction with the results, writing, “My results have been amazing. I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back.” The video highlighted her journey of self-acceptance and determination to care for herself, despite the busy demands of motherhood and her career.
Serena Williams welcomed her first daughter, Olympia, in 2017, followed by her second daughter, Adira, in 2023. She shares her children with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, whom she married in 2017.
Throughout her journey, Williams has been open about the ups and downs of her life, her dedication to her family, and her commitment to her well-being—showing time and again why she remains a powerful role model for millions around the world.
