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Serena Williams' Husband Alexis Ohanian Claps Back at Critics Accusing Her of Skin Bleaching
Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian just aced this comeback.
The Reddit cofounder, 42, recently addressed online trolls accusing his wife of bleaching her skin.
The tennis icon shared family photos from sister Venus Williams’ wedding on social media Jan. 6, showing Alexis standing next to his favorite ladies: Serena in a white gown and daughters Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2, in matching blue dresses.
The legendary athlete captioned the social media photos, “Joy does not always roar sometimes it whispers. It important to savor those sweet moments… I love this picture so I wanted to share it with you.”
However, some online users speculated that Serena had used products to lighten her skin tone. In response to negative comments about her appearance, Alexis quickly came to her defense, writing alongside her X post, “Where are all the comments from idiots who don’t understand how photography lighting works.”
And when one user claimed, "Alexis wants Black people to believe we don’t know what photography lighting looks like vs blatant skin lightening," he wrote back, "Or: photos from the same event can look different based on lighting."
Serena has previously denied accusations of skin bleaching.
During an Instagram Live in December 2024, the 23-time Grand Slam champion addressed claims that she purposely altered her complexion after she shared a video of herself at a school event with Alexis and their two daughters.
Weighing in on the topic, Serena told viewers on the Live, “No, for you haters out there, I do not bleach my skin.”
She went on to explain that she was volunteering at her daughter’s play in the viral video and was wearing “stage makeup” when she recorded the clip in November 2024.
“Everyone’s like, 'Ooh, she bleached her skin,’" she said. "I’m a dark, Black woman, and I love who I am, and I love how I look.”
We're serving up more of Alexis and Serena's family moments here...
Serena WIlliams/Instagram
Family Time
While celebrating seven years of marriage in November 2024, Serena thanked her husband for making every day special—including making an "average November day a costume party and making it special."
Serena Williams/Instagram
Parents' Night Out
The couple proved they enjoy lowkey date nights just as much as their extravagant trips in a sweet glimpse into a night out in September 2024.
Serena Williams/Instagram
Growing Family
Serena and Alexis welcomed their second baby girl, Adira, in August 2023.
Serena Williams/Instagram
Farm Day
Months before expanding their brood, Serena shared a sweet glimpse into some quality family time, writing on Instagram in Sept. 2022, "Family day on the farm."
Italian Surprise
In July 2018, the tennis champion wanted Italian food for dinner so her husband flew her to Venice, Italy. Talk about a dream date!
Family Time
The adorable couple enjoyed a day out with their little one in summer 2018.
Picture Perfect Paris
In May 2018, Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams jetted off to Paris to visit the zoo where they had their first date—with an extremely adorable plus one, Olympia, who was born eight months prior.
London Calling
The power couple looked stunning as they celebrated the marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in England in May 2018.
Regal Romance
Even though the duo was in England to celebrate the newly dubbed Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their gorgeous ensembles at the wedding and the reception had us thinking they were the royal couple for the night!
Selexis Day
Every year the couple has a special day called Selexis day where it's all about them. In April 2018, Williams gave insight to their tradition, which—that year—was her turn to plan. She had her husband go on a scavenger hunt that ended at a venue with his childhood friends, a live band and karaoke. Oh, and they recreated their wedding cake and ate it together since they never had a piece at their actual wedding. Pretty fun, right?
JOHN NACION/startraksphoto.com
Red Carpet Ready
The happy couple stole the show as they stepped out for the premiere of Williams' HBO documentary series Being Serena in April 2018.
Richard Shiro/Getty Images
Team USA
In addition to cheering on his wife at as many of her tennis matches as possible, Ohanian takes in a ton of sporting events with Williams. Together they are all about Team USA, and it makes us love them even more.
Spartan Squad
When Williams isn't playing tennis she is participating in Spartan races with her closest friends and family, which of course includes her husband.
All Dolled Up
These two definitely clean up well and are always up for a fundraising gala.
Mel Barlow & Co. / Allan Zepeda / Brides.com
I Do
In November 2017, Williams and Ohanian tied the knot in New Orleans and it was pure magic. The couple looked so happy throughout the night and we're still not over the Olympic athlete's gorgeous wedding gown.
French Connection
In May 2017, the lovebirds took a trip to France. While there they took their romance up a notch while taking in all of the breathtaking sunsets.
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Met Gala Glam
Williams looked gorgeous as she stepped out at the 2017 Met Gala and showed off her baby bump for the first time alongside her then-fiancé Ohanian.
Prince Charming
Get yourself a man who will carry you for no reason on a beach!
Ride or Die
In February 2017, the Reddit co-founder posted this sweet shot dedicated to "My #WCW, every day," and we seriously can't get enough of these two together.
Bear-y Cute
Early on in their romance the duo sported matching bear costumes at a party and it was bear-y cute...get it?
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