(Photo by Serena Williams/X)
Serena Williams found herself at the center of renewed online controversy this week after social media users accused her of skin bleaching, prompting a swift and public defense from her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
The speculation emerged after Williams shared family photos taken at the wedding of her sister, Venus Williams. The images, posted as a carousel on X, showed Williams celebrating the occasion alongside loved ones.
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She captioned the post, “Joy does not always roar, sometimes it whispers. It’s important to savor those sweet moments… I love this picture, so I wanted to share it with you.”
Despite the celebratory tone, some social media users focused on Williams’ appearance, claiming the 23-time Grand Slam champion appeared lighter-skinned in the photos and suggesting she had used products to alter her complexion. The accusations quickly gained traction, reigniting a long-running and sensitive discussion that Williams has repeatedly addressed over the years.
Ohanian did not stay silent. Commenting directly under the post, he pushed back against the criticism, writing, “Where are all the comments from idiots who don’t understand how photography lighting works?”
One user fired back, accusing Ohanian of dismissing valid concerns. “Alexis wants Black people to believe we don’t know what photography lighting looks like vs blatant skin lightening,” the commenter wrote.
Ohanian responded again, doubling down on his explanation. “Or: photos from the same event can look different based on lighting,” he replied.
Williams herself has previously spoken out against similar claims. In December of last year, she addressed speculation after posting a video from a school event attended with her husband and their daughters. During a live interaction with fans on Instagram, Williams made her stance unmistakably clear.
“No, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin,” she told viewers at the time.
The recurring accusations highlight the scrutiny Williams continues to face even after stepping away from professional tennis. Supporters have pointed out that lighting, camera settings, makeup, and post-processing can dramatically affect how skin tones appear in photographs, particularly at large indoor events like weddings.
While the rumors briefly overshadowed what was meant to be a joyful family moment, Ohanian’s public defense and Williams’ past statements reaffirm her position. For the tennis legend, the response appears consistent: she remains unapologetic, direct, and unwilling to let online speculation define her narrative.
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