Serena Williams targeted over her ‘light’ skin color as she poses for Essence in new photoshoot
Serena Williams getting 'lighter' day by day did not sit well with a few netizens, who claimed that she was trying to 'become white.'
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Serena Williams on Essence cover (Images via Essence, NBC News)
Serena Williams has been an icon not just in the tennis world but for everyone beyond the sport. She has inspired generations and has shown everyone the light, in terms of reaching the pinnacle despite several challenges.
Williams became one of the first black female athletes to rule the world and earned her reputation for that. Even after retirement, the 23-time singles Grand Slam champion continues to inspire people with her acts.
Williams is an entrepreneur now. She also likes to pose for magazines every now and then, and most recently, she appeared on the cover of the latest issue of Essence. Williams gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her shoot.
While many of her fans admired the new look, Williams was also targeted by a few, who accused her of trying to ‘become white.’ Quite a few netizens targeted the American for her skin getting lighter.
In response, Williams’ fans jumped in to defend her. One user explained that since the 43-year-old does not play in the sun anymore, her skin does not get tanned much.
I remember yall came for Megan Good when she popped out lighter and accused her of bleaching. She had to aht aht aht and tell yall she got a chemical peel. Serena doesn’t play in the sun anymore and skincare has come a long way since 2003. Everybody needs to take several seats and try something other than clean and clear and clearasil k thanks.
A user wrote while defending Serena Williams
The WTA ace, however, did not respond to any of these comments. Williams seemed to be enjoying her time trying different things.
Serena Williams talks about her post-retirement jitters
Although it has been over two years since Serena Williams hung up her racket, the former World No. 1 still feels the post-retirement jitters. In an interview with Essence, she revealed the thought that crossed her mind watching the matches at the 2024 US Open.
Williams said that she felt the urge to go back on the court and start hitting again after watching others in action. She then cited examples of celebrities of her age still enjoying their careers to explain how it feels after retirement.
‘Should I still be out there?’ Seeing these players play, you’re like, ‘Gosh, I could play too’. And, ‘That was once me’. Then I’ll look at Beyoncé, or I’ll look at Usher, and I’m like, We’re all the same age—they’re actually a little bit older than me. And they still have their careers.
Serena Williams said (via Essence)
Williams retired from professional tennis in September 2019, after the US Open. She lost her last match on the tour to Ajla Tomljanovic who won it 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)