Serena Williams Claps Back at ‘Haters,’ Denies Bleaching Her Skin

Serena Williams has denied rumors that she bleached her skin as she called out “haters” who claimed she did.

During Instagram Live on Monday, Dec. 2, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, 43, addressed claims that she deliberately changed her complexion after she recently shared a video of herself at a school event with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia, 7. , and Adira, 15 months.

While teaching makeup for her brand Wyn Beauty (pronounced “win”), the former athlete saw the perfect opportunity to address the topic.

Serena Williams arrives at the premiere of “In The Arena: Serena Williams” during the 2024 Tribeca Festival.

Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

“And then I just put on that neutral color, which is actually my skin tone, and no, for you haters out there, I’m not bleaching my skin,” Williams said as she applied her glam.

“There is something called sunlight, and in that sunlight you get different colors,” she continued.

The tennis star explained that she was volunteering at her daughter’s game in the now-viral video from late November, and was wearing “stage makeup” when she filmed the clip.

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“Yeah, I’m calling you out on this because it’s ridiculous,” Williams said before declaring that she’s proud of who she is.

“Everybody says, ‘Oh, she bleached her skin.’ I’m a dark-skinned black woman and I love who I am and I love how I look,” the professional athlete continued, adding that that kind of change “is just not my thing.”

Williams has no problem with others lightening their skin, but reiterated that it’s not a procedure she wants to do.

Alexis Ohanian Sr., Serena Williams, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira Ohanian.

Alexis Ohanian Sr./ Instagram

“And if people do that, that’s their business, and they have all the opportunities and needs. I’m not judging, but you’re doing it,” she said.

“But that’s what this world is all about, and I stay in my lane – the non-judgmental one, and I stick to it. But no, I’m not actually bleaching my skin, so can we clear that up?” she concluded.

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Williams was candid about the work she has done in the past.

In June, the mother of two took to Instagram to share a video of herself undergoing radiofrequency tummy tuck treatment at a spa in Paris.

“I’ve always struggled with taking time for myself,” she captioned the post. “I’m finally starting to be okay with taking an hour (during nap time 🙈) away from my kids and working to do something for myself.”

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The video showed her lying on a table while an electromagnetic device was placed on her stomach.

“I was self-conscious about my tummy,” Williams admitted, saying she got work done during her bachelorette trip.

“I’m seeing progress with my skin returning to normal and my confidence. Listen, my body will never be the same, but neither will I because I have 2 amazing lights in my life,” she concluded, tagging her daughters in the post.

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Source: HIS Education