Serena Williams sets record straight on skin bleaching rumors: 'I love who I am'

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Serena Williams, the tennis legend and 23-time Grand Slam champion, is setting the record straight on recent rumors about her appearance.

After a video of her at her daughter’s school play circulated online, social media users speculated about her skin tone, prompting Williams to respond directly, as reported by TMZ.

Serena Williams addresses viral speculation about her skin

Taking to Instagram Live during her makeup routine, Serena Williams dismissed the accusations of lightening her skin. “And no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin,” she firmly stated.

Explaining her appearance, Williams attributed any perceived difference in her complexion to lighting and cosmetics. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she said.

Williams added that she had been wearing stage makeup while volunteering backstage at the school event, further influencing her look.

Williams also emphasized self-love and pride in her identity. “I am a dark Black woman, and I love who I am and love how I look,” she said, affirming her confidence in her natural beauty.

While making it clear that altering skin tone is a personal choice for others, she stressed that it’s not something she has or would do.

Internet reacts as Serena Williams shuts down skin bleaching rumors 

Tennis icon Serena Williams has spoken out against rumors claiming she lightened her skin, addressing the viral video that sparked online debate. While social media buzzed with speculation, Williams quickly clarified the situation during an Instagram Live session.

Supporters took to social media to defend Williams, emphasizing her history of outdoor training and natural skin changes over time.

One user wrote, "I stand with Serena it was clearly makeup and blogs reposted that video to be messy," while the other user wrote, "For most of her upbringing and career, Serena played and trained in the hot sun and outdoors, so of course her skin tanned. That woman is not bleaching, she doesn’t have that “raw” look."

Another added, “Y’all have to remember, she was outside in the sun EVERY SINGLE DAY when she was younger. Bleached skin doesn’t look like that.”

“Your skin changes as you get older if you look at your aunts and moms you would know that. Leave this unproblematic woman alone,” a comment read.

"You look great, I don't know why people are so obsess with your skin tone.. what you do with your skin your hair or whatever that's you it doesn't have anything to do with anyone they're not paying for it or maintaining it, all the while accusation and hating isn't necessary and the worst part is it comes from our own," a user said.

Another user wrote, "I was thinking maybe b/c she is not in the sun like she used to be."

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