Serena Williams Responds to ‘Ridiculous’ Skin Bleaching Rumors: ‘I Love How I Look’

Serena Williams has a firm message for her critics. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, now 43, addressed recent online rumors regarding the lightening of her skin tone. The speculation arose last week following a video she posted from a school event for her and husband Alexis Ohanian's daughter, Olympia, who is 7 years old. The couple also has another daughter, Adira, 15 months old.

In an Instagram Live session on December 2, Williams showcased her makeup routine and confronted the gossip directly.

"Usually, I go back for a third time and apply a neutral shade that matches my actual skin tone. And for you haters, I do not bleach my skin," she stated as she applied under-eye makeup.

Additionally, she remarked, "There is something called sunlight, and that can create different shades."

Williams clarified that she wore "stage makeup" during the video leading to the rumors, recalling that she was helping at Olympia’s school play.

"Yes, I’m calling out this ridiculousness about ‘Oh, she bleaches her skin.’ I’m a dark Black woman, and I love who I am and how I look," Williams said firmly.

"That’s just not for me. If others choose to do it, that’s their choice and they have every right to... I don't judge, yet it seems others do," she added. "This world is about understanding differences. I’ve chosen to stay in my non-judgmental lane, and I respect that. But to clarify, I don’t bleach my skin. Can we put that rumor to rest?"

Beyond addressing these rumors, Williams is also supporting her husband during a recent health challenge. Ohanian, aged 41, revealed last week that he underwent thyroid surgery to prevent cancer.

"After monitoring some concerning nodules on my thyroid for the past four years, I had half of it surgically removed," Ohanian shared in an Instagram post on November 28. "The nodules were growing, and the latest biopsy indicated they could likely become cancerous."

Ohanian mentioned that his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same age as he is now, and she later passed away from brain cancer about a decade later.

"I cannot stand cancer," he stated. "I opted to take no chances."

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