Serena Williams, renowned for her dominance on the tennis court and her growing presence in the fashion world, has once again found herself at the center of public scrutiny—this time for her appearance during her recent appearances at Paris Fashion Week 2024.

A Fashion Statement

Serena made waves in the fashion capital, attending prestigious shows for Balenciaga, Balmain, Maison Valentino, and Off-White. Free from her mom duties for a brief moment, the 42-year-old took the opportunity to dazzle onlookers with her elegance and style. Her honey-blonde hair, styled in Old Hollywood-inspired curls, perfectly complemented her glowing makeup look, featuring rosy cheeks and a nude lip.

While attending the Off-White show, Serena responded to a question about the brand’s “Black by Popular Demand” theme, saying, “Be yourself, own who you are, and just Black is popular. It’s culture. It’s been changing culture for decades.” Her confident and poignant words underscored her pride in Black culture and identity, even as she faced unexpected backlash online.

Criticism and Defense

Following a video of her interview circulating online, some social media users began speculating about changes to Serena’s appearance. Critics accused her of skin-lightening and undergoing cosmetic surgeries, with some mocking her statement about embracing one’s true self while alleging she didn’t appear to embody it. Comments ranged from suggesting her melanin looked faded to questioning whether she resembled someone of another ethnicity.

These remarks drew swift reactions from fans and supporters. Many came to Serena’s defense, pointing out the decades of criticism she has endured for her features, complexion, and hair. A vocal defender noted, “Y’all want her to have gotten plastic surgery so bad. Nope, sorry. She looks the same without makeup. Just say she looks great and move along.” Others highlighted that her lighter complexion in the video could be due to lighting and makeup choices, emphasizing that makeup inspired by Black beauty traditions can create varied effects under studio lighting.

A History of Unfair Scrutiny

Serena has long been subjected to public judgment over her appearance. As one fan put it, “Y’all bullied this woman for decades about her appearance, and now y’all are trying it again after she did what makes her feel attractive.” Another remarked on the hypocrisy of shifting criticisms, from accusing Serena of not being feminine enough in her youth to now questioning her appearance for allegedly being “too polished.”

The conversation reflects a broader issue: the double standards Black women, particularly those in the spotlight, face when it comes to beauty norms. Serena’s journey—from a trailblazing athlete to a style icon and advocate for self-expression—shows her resilience against such unfounded criticisms.

Balancing Motherhood and Stardom

Serena’s Paris Fashion Week outings come just months after she gave birth to her second daughter, Adira, in August. Balancing her role as a mother to two young daughters—Adira and six-year-old Olympia—with her ongoing ventures in fashion and business is no small feat. Despite the relentless public scrutiny, Serena continues to demonstrate her ability to evolve while staying true to her roots.

A Role Model Beyond the Court

The backlash Serena faced highlights a sad reality about the internet’s fixation on appearances. However, the outpouring of love and defense from her fans serves as a reminder of the many who admire her for not just her beauty, but her strength, accomplishments, and advocacy for self-love. As one supporter eloquently put it, “She’s unapologetically herself. That’s all that matters.”