‘I Love How I Look’: Serena Williams Fires Back at ‘Haters’ Over Skin Bleaching Rumors After Years of Criticism About Her Appearance

Tennis icon Serena Williams is putting an end to longstanding rumors that she bleaches her skin and pushing back against critics who have nitpicked at her appearance for years. Some would call the discourse on social media about the Compton native’s complexion and make-up appalling. Much of the commentary alleges that Williams had cosmetic surgery or work done on her face to sharpen her features and lighten her skin. Some of the nastiest of the discussion online even accuses her of wanting to appear lighter to align with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is of Armenian and German descent. Serena Williams hits back at skin bleaching rumors after critics claimed she was influenced by her husband, Alexis Ohanian. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) These claims, which have persisted despite Williams’ commitment to celebrating her Black identity, prompted her to confront the issue directly in a candid statement while painting her face in her bathroom, leaving no room for speculation. During an Instagram Live video for WYN’s Cyber Monday sale on Dec. 2, the mother of two answered questions about the brand and how she applies her makeup but she also had some words for her haters. “I got back for a...