Serena Williams slammed “ridiculous” claims that she bleaches her skin.
While doing a makeup tutorial via Instagram Live Monday, the tennis champion put the rumors to rest once and for all.
“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,” she said as she applied concealer to her face.
“There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors.”
Serena Williams went on Instagram Live Monday to debunk rumors that she bleaches her skin
Williams, 43, explained that the speculation started after she wore stage makeup while volunteering at her daughter’s school play.
“I’m calling you out on it because it is ridiculous that everyone is like, ‘Oh, she bleaches her skin.’ I am a dark black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look. And that’s just not my thing, but if people do it, that’s their thing and they have every opportunity. I don’t judge,” she added.
The 23-Grand Slam winner then reiterated that she does not bleach her skin, adding, “So, can we just kinda clear that up?”
The rumors started when she shared a photo wearing stage makeup to her daughter’s play (not pictured here).serenawilliams/Instagram
Williams has never had any issues being open about the beauty treatments she undergoes.
In June, she shared a video getting work done on her stomach scars after welcoming her two daughters, Olympia, 6, and Adira, 1.
“Being ok to take time for myself is something I have always struggled with,” she captioned the post.
“I finally started being ok to take an hour (during nap time ) away from my kids and work to do something for myself. On my last trip to Paris a girlfriend of mine treated me to a spa day. She knows after 2 babies I have been self conscious of my tummy. I just had to post this video she took.”
The legendary athlete went on to say that her “results have been amazing,” writing, “I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back.”
In the video, Williams received a radio-frequency treatment, which uses electromagnetic waves to promote collagen and elastin production to create tighter skin.
She welcomed Olympia in 2017 and Adira in 2023 with husband Alexis Ohanian. The two have been married since 2017.