Serena Williams has recently become the center of intense online debate. Critics have targeted the tennis star, suggesting she has undergone excessive cosmetic procedures, though Williams herself has neither confirmed nor denied the use of Botox or fillers.
At the Thom Browne show during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture, Williams made a striking appearance, but it was overshadowed by a flood of harsh comments about her looks. In a video from the event, some viewers speculated unkindly, “What did Serena do to her face? She looks swollen,” while others criticized, “Serena is not aging well,” and “I wish Serena would stop using fillers and return to her natural look!” Another comment read, “Serena, you look like Lil’ Kim!” and one more suggested, “Stick with this MUA and ease up on the fillers. You are beautiful.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has faced such scrutiny. Some fans have voiced their concerns on her Instagram, saying, “I like this woman but… please just stop with the Botox, fillers, or whatever is ruining your beautiful look! Please!” The focus on her appearance often overshadows her significant achievements and contributions.
The criticism reached such a level that one commenter questioned, “Are all the comments only negative?” Another replied, “They’re just miserable and hateful people who need to judge themselves before judging others.”
Last year, Dr. Umar Johnson made controversial remarks, accusing Serena Williams of undergoing plastic surgery. He stated, “Serena Williams, I think she had some work done on her face. I want black women to stop getting these surgeries because they don’t need them. Serena had a beautiful smile before the surgery. There was no need for Botox or whatever they did to her jaw.”
Williams has never addressed these accusations directly. She advocates against body-shaming and encourages women to embrace their bodies. “I’m not only happy with my body, but I want other people and young girls who have experienced what I’ve experienced to be happy with themselves. So whatever people say, whether it’s too masculine, too much, or too little, I’m okay with it as long as I love myself,” she has said.