> At a Glance
> – Alexis Ohanian slammed critics accusing Serena Williams of skin bleaching after family photos surfaced
> – The Reddit co-founder blamed “photography lighting” for the controversy
> – Williams previously denied bleaching during a makeup tutorial, citing sunlight and stage makeup
> – Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of Black women’s appearance in public life
Family wedding photos sparked fresh speculation about Serena Williams’ complexion, prompting her husband Alexis Ohanian to clap back online.
Quick Defense on X
Ohanian, 42, replied to Williams’ post of the family at Venus Williams’ wedding, writing: “Where are all the comments from idiots who don’t understand how photography lighting works.” When a user challenged him, he doubled down: “Or: photos from the same event can look different based on lighting.”
The couple appeared with daughters Adira, 2, and Olympia, 8, both in light-blue dresses.
Williams’ Earlier Denial
On Dec. 2, during a Wyn Beauty makeup livestream, Williams addressed the rumors head-on:
- “I do not bleach my skin”
- Credited sunlight and stage makeup for any tonal shift
- Emphasized pride in her dark complexion: “I love who I am, and I love how I look”
Key Takeaways
- Ohanian publicly defended his wife against skin-bleach accusations
- Williams has repeatedly denied altering her skin tone
- Both cite photography lighting and makeup context as explanations
- The exchange underscores persistent public scrutiny of celebrity appearances
