"There is a thing called sunlight": Serena Williams denies bleaching skin and claps back on 'haters'

The Fashion Awards 2024 Presented by Pandora - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The Fashion Awards 2024 Presented by Pandora - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Tennis idol Serena Williams has set the record straight, tackling rumors that she has been bleaching her skin. The 43-year-old, known for her unapologetic confidence and progressive career, termed the allegations as “ridiculous” during an Instagram Live session previously this week. Sporting her natural look while doing a makeup tutorial, Serena Williams reiterated her pride in her dark skin tone and called out critics who spread the unsubstantiated claims.

In this editorial, we dig more into the debate, explore Serena Williams’ frank reply, and examine the wider implications of beauty standards and societal potentials for women in the public eye.


Serena Williams speaks to the rumors with clarity and humor

During her Instagram Live, Serena Williams minced no words in deflating the rumors.

Applying makeup while engaging her audience, she said, “For you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin.”

She went on to clarify that the gossip arose after she carried stage makeup while volunteering at her daughter Olympia’s school play.

“There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she joked, dismissing the accusations with a blend of wit and poise.

Serena Williams also highlighted her pride in being a “dark black woman” and echoed her love for her natural skin, saying:

“It’s ridiculous that everyone is like, ‘Oh, she bleaches her skin.’ I don’t judge anyone who does, but that’s just not my thing.”

A glance into Serena Williams' honest views on beauty and self-care

Serena Williams has always been open about her beauty treatments and self-care routine, breaking the taboo about such subjects for women in the public eye. Earlier this year, she shared a video recording the process of recovering her stomach scars after giving birth to her daughters, Olympia and Adira.

Celebrities Attend The 2024 US Open Tennis Championships - Day 7 - Source: Getty
Celebrities Attend The 2024 US Open Tennis Championships - Day 7 - Source: Getty

The tennis legend confessed to feeling self-conscious about her body post-pregnancy but emphasized how the treatment aided in rebuilding her confidence.

“The results have been amazing,” she added, showcasing her dedication to self-acceptance and liberation.

The Societal pressures behind the skin tone argument

The argument surrounding Serena Williams' skin tone emphasizes wider issues of social expectations and beauty standards, particularly for women of color. The groundless allegations stem from a cultural fixation on lighter skin tones, often continued by media narratives and impractical beauty ideals.

'Prelude To The Olympics': Photocall - Source: Getty
'Prelude To The Olympics': Photocall - Source: Getty

Serena Williams’ strong response not only shut down gossip but also sent an influential message about self-love and genuineness.

Her statement, “I love who I am and how I look,” is a proof to her spirit in the face of criticism.

By calling out these typecasts, Williams continues to confront the prejudices faced by women of color, setting an authorizing example for others.


Serena Williams has once again shown why she is more than just a tennis champ. Her confident and unrepentant response to the skin-bleaching rumors highlights her commitment to genuineness and self-love.

By tackling the issue immediately, she turned the narrative into a teachable instant about societal expectations and eccentricity.

As Williams aptly put it, “Can we just clear that up?”

Indeed, her words remind us all of the importance of accepting our natural selves.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni