Tennis star Serena Williams has responded to critics who claim she is bleaching her skin to look more attractive. Other rumors even suggest that she has had cosmetic surgery.
Seemingly tired of the speculations, she took to social media to address the concerns and cited possible reasons her skin color may be changing.
Appearing on an Instagram Live video on December 2, the mother of two answered questions about a brand and how she applied her makeup, emphasizing that she does not “bleach.”
“…That is actually my skin color, and no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin… There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors…I’m a dark Black woman, and I love who I am and I love how I look,” she noted.
Serena Williams added that she would never tease or judge others who might choose to lighten their skin but has no desire to do the same.
“That’s just not my thing, and if people do it, that’s their thing. They have every opportunity, and they should. I don’t judge, but you guys do. But that’s what this world is about,” she stated.
Some followers agreed with her explanation, telling her not to worry about her haters. A supporter wrote, “Y’all have to remember, she was outside in the sun every single day younger… Bleached skin doesn’t look like that.”
“I’m dark-skinned, and I look lighter in the sun and under some good lights as well. Come on now, every Black person should know this,” another person wrote.
Another comment read: “Your skin changes as you get older; if you look at your aunts and moms, you would know that…Leave this unproblematic woman alone.”
In August, Serena Williams threw a subtle jab at critics who suggested she had been having cosmetic surgery over the years to enhance her physical appearance.
To address that, she posted a new picture of herself, which seemingly was intended to put her beauty ‘accusations” to rest.
She had previously been tagged as undergoing cosmetic enhancements, including a nose job, cheekbone implants, and skin lightening.
She had also been unjustifiably criticized for using drugs or surgery to lose weight after the birth of her daughter last year.
On Instagram, she posted eight photos showcasing her slim figure and flawless face with the caption: “Straightforward: 100% real … forehead to toe … lol.”