"That is actually my skin color" - Serena Williams fires back at 'haters' who accuse her of bleaching her skin

Despite retiring over two years ago Serena Williams still has to deal with detractors, this time the WTA legend lashed out at people who believe she bleaches her skin.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion called an end to a historic career at the 2022 US Open, and has since given birth to her second daughter as she shifts her focus to ventures outside of tennis. Williams has been heavily involved in Wyn Beauty, her fashion line of beauty products and recently gave a makeup tutorial on her Instagram Live on Monday.

During the makeup tutorial, Williams took the opportunity to address rumors that she alters her skin complexion after a video surfaced of her at her daughter's school event, where online critics pointed out the change in her skin tone.

“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,” said Williams as she applied her glam. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors.
"Yes, I’m calling you out on this because it is ridiculous,” Williams said, before stating that she is proud of who she is. 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 former World No.1 stated she had no issue with people who lightened their skin, but it was not something she indulged in.

"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," she continued. “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?”