Former college tennis player Alexis Robinson showed her steadfast support for Serena Williams following the skin bleaching accusations against the tennis ace. Williams recently shared pictures with her family from her sister Venus Williams’ wedding on social media.
In the pictures, the tennis icon was seen wearing a white gown, while her daughters Olympia (8) and Adira (2) opted for matching blue dresses. However, critics accused Williams of using products to bleach her skin to make it appear fair. Robinson, who competed for Utah Tech University and Green Valley High School, backed the former world No.1, while highlighting why her skin might have appeared light.
She highlighted her experience, stating that her skin naturally lightened without bleaching after she ended her competitive career and reduced her exposure to intense sunlight. She further added that it is absolutely normal for Williams’ skin to go lighter following the end of her pro career.
“As a former college tennis player I can tell you I am genuinely two/three shades lighter than I was back in my playing days; not even coming off a pro career like Serena who was always playing in the sun of Cali or Florida too. RELAX with the accusation.”
Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, also defended his wife, stating that the change in complexion was due to lighting and photography.
What Did Serena Williams Say While Denying The Accusation of Skin Bleaching
In December 2024, Serena Williams took a swipe at the trolls for criticizing her for bleaching her skin. She received the backlash after sharing a video of herself at a school event with her husband, Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters. She explained that she was volunteering at her daughter’s play, where she was wearing “stage makeup,” which went viral and received criticism.
“And then I put just that neutral color, that is actually my skin color, and no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin,” she said. “There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors.”
“Yes, I’m calling you out on this because it is ridiculous. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, she bleached her skin.’ I’m a dark, Black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look,” she added.
“Just not my thing. And if people do it, that’s their thing, and they have every opportunity and they should. I don’t judge, but you guys do. I actually don’t bleach my skin, so can we just kinda clear that up?” Williams concluded.
Serena Williams announced her retirement after making her last competitive appearance at the 2022 US Open.
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