Serena Williams Shuts Down Speculation She Bleaches Her Skin After Video Sparks Rumors

Former pro tennis player Serena Williams has spent years fielding rumors and critiques about her appearance, from what she wore on the field to how she styled her hair to rumors that she was intentionally making her skin appear lighter.

Williams finally came forward and backhanded the rumors, stating that it was a change in her lifestyle, not getting work done.

Though these rumors have been brewing for a while, the speculation increased when she shared a video of herself sitting next to her husband Alexis Ohanian.

Those who only know Williams from her days on competitive tennis courts would remember her medium-dark skin, made darker from spending so much time in the sun, dark and curly hair, and personalized, skirted tennis uniforms.

In the video, however, she appeared paler than she used to, thinner, and rocking blonde and silver hair.

You can watch the video here:

Viewers had a lot to say about Williams' appearance, including questions about what she was "doing to herself."

After years of criticism and speculation, during a "Get Ready with Me" video, Williams showed herself applying color corrector and concealer on camera.

While doing so, Williams commented on her appearance.

"Usually, I go back for a third time and apply just that neutral color, that is actually my skin color."

"And no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin."

"There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors."

"I'm a dark Black woman, and I love how I look."

"[Bleaching] is just not my thing. If people do it, that's their thing, and they have every opportunity, and they should."

"I stay in my lane, the non-judgy one, and I keep it to myself."

"But no, I don't actually bleach my skin. So, can we just kind of clear that up?"

You can watch the video here:

Despite Williams speaking up for herself, viewers were not totally convinced.

A few felt terrible that Williams felt the need to say anything at all.

This is unfortunately a great example of how we cannot make everyone happy. While Serena Williams surely has nothing to prove, there will always be speculations about her talent, her life, and her appearance.

Though some felt that she didn't need to explain herself, it seems that even explaining herself invited haters to continue hating. Sometimes you just can't win the game unless you decide to win for yourself.