tennis icon Serena Williams has spoken out against rumors that she has altered her skin tone. The 23-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram Live to dismiss the claims after a video from her daughter’s school play sparked online speculation.

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Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, didn’t hold back as she addressed the controversy, calling it “ridiculous” and asserting her pride in her natural beauty.

During her Instagram Live session, Williams shared her frustration with the accusations while applying makeup.

“And no, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin,” she declared. The video, which originally triggered the rumors, showed Williams backstage at her daughter Olympia’s school play. She explained that her altered appearance was due to sunlight and stage makeup, not any deliberate attempt to change her skin tone.

“There is a thing called sunlight, and in that sunlight, you get different colors,” she said. “I was also wearing stage makeup because I volunteered to help with the kids’ performance.”