Serena Williams has broken her silence on accusations she's 'bleaching her skin' after a much discussed viral video raised the prospect.
The tennis legend made a few headlines recently after she shared a video of herself at a school event with daughters Olympia and Adira, and her husband Alexis Ohanian.
Some people on the internet claimed Williams purposely altered her complexion in the video - something the 43-year-old has addressed in a recent Instagram Live.
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During the video, aired on Monday (2 December), Williams was doing a makeup tutorial for her makeup brand Wyn Beauty, when she confronted the recent claims head-on.
"And then 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," the tennis champion said.
"There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors."
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Williams went on to explain she was wearing 'stage makeup' as she was volunteering at her daughter's school's play during the viral clip.
The American then went on to call out those who have been criticising her, and she certainly didn't hold back.
Williams continued: "Yes, I’m calling you out on this because it is ridiculous. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, she bleached her skin.’ I’m a dark, Black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look."
The tennis legend went on to reiterate she has no issues with people lightening their skin despite Williams stating it's 'just not my thing'.
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She concluded the segment of the Instagram Live: "And if people do it, that’s their thing, and they have every opportunity and they should. I don’t judge, but you guys do.
"But that’s what this world is about, and I stay in my lane — the non-judgy one, and I keep it. But no, I actually don’t bleach my skin, so can we just kinda clear that up?"
Despite retiring from tennis in 2022, Williams has kept herself busy in recent years.
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At the time of her retirement announcement, Williams explained that if she had 'to choose between building my tennis résumé and building my family, I choose the latter'.
Addressing her fans, Williams added: "But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words. You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies. I’m going to miss that version of me, that girl who played tennis. And I’m going to miss you."
Callum Jones