Fans join in defense of Serena Williams after critics compare her skin tone in photos from her early tennis days

Serena Williams is undoubtedly one of the best players in tennis history, boasting a formidable record of over 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Along with her sister Venus, she also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and secured 3 doubles gold medals on the Olympic Games.

However, as an alternative of specializing in her amazing achievements on the tennis court, some are specializing in speculating about changes in her appearance. Many people have suggested that the Compton resident can have undergone facial cosmetic surgery and/or lightened her skin tone over time.

Last month, the mother of two was thrust into the highlight after a brand new glam video shared by her makeup artist Renny Vasquez went viral. In the clip, filmed during Paris Fashion Week, Williams gave the impression to be several shades lighter than her typical complexion, prompting fans to argue over whether her skin was permanently lightened or it was just makeup. Some even suggested that the sunshine can have lightened her skin.

Fast forward to April, and lots of fans on social media are comparing Williams’ appearance, with some criticizing her for what they perceive as drastic changes to her face. Meanwhile, others imagine there could also be an inexpensive explanation for why it looks so different.

Fan he tweeted two photos, many years apart, showing stark differences between Williams’ photos then and now. He wrote: “I’m very angry at Serena at this point…why baby why?”

I’m very offended with Serena at this point… why, honey, why??? pic.twitter.com/vDATQVfmu2

— Drizzle Drizzle #FBA (@alan3920) May 1, 2024

One X user sent Williams’ old videos of her life in the general public eye, stating, “I loved that dark skin.”

Beautiful.

— I’m not that short (@SheBleedsHipHop) May 1, 2024

However, some people were quick to suggest a distinct lens to see her visibly fairer complexion.

“It doesn’t look like whitewashing to me. Sometimes people with darker skin tones lighten slightly due to environmental factors. If he has less sun exposure (and he probably does), he can lighten the shade or. The same thing happened to me” – one person he said.

Serena on Jimmy Kimmel 2010 (top) and 2021 (bottom) pic.twitter.com/iMtKsdI3aP

— A Very Concerned Citizen (@GoatOfAllThings) May 1, 2024

Another X user he wrote“She also had a child. Having children can change your characteristics. After the birth of her twins, it changed Beyonce for a hot minute. This also includes makeup and possible lip fillers. She has also aged gracefully. We love using this photo when there is plenty of evidence that she is still beautiful.”

A 3rd added: “Why don’t you go to her page and check out her latest photos. It was makeup and lighting.

The sports icon welcomed her second daughter, Adira, with husband Alexis Ohanian in August. They are also the parents of a 6-year-old daughter, Olimpia. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that mothers lighten their skin after giving birth. Williams also never admitted to having undergone plastic surgery or using skin bleaching products to lighten her skin.

Despite this, she has always been proud of her skin tone, even though she admitted that she was treated differently because of her skin color.

“Underpaid, undervalued,” Williams said in a 2020 report edition British Vogue. “I’ve never been a person who said, ‘I want to be a different color,’ or ‘I want my skin tone to be lighter.’ I like who I am, I like how I look, and I love representing beautiful, dark women. For me it’s perfect. I wouldn’t want it to be any different.”