Serena Williams Shares Letter of Support, Acknowledges Racism Following Meghan & Harry's Oprah Interview
“The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal.”
![serena williams meghan markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3xoBttpLAy55UcD5Yg9XYG-415-80.jpg)
After last night’s bombshell tell-all interview with Oprah, Serena Williams shared a message of love and support for her friend Meghan Markle. The CBS primetime special shared heartbreaking details about the marginalization of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the hands of "The Firm," which led to suicidal thoughts for Meghan. The Duchess also shared a disturbing account of the racism that she–and her infant child Archie Harrison–had endured.
Williams wrote, “Meghan Markle, my selfless friend, lives her life–and leads by example–with empathy and compassion. She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.”
The tennis champion went on to acknowledge her own experiences with institutionalized racism and sexism. She wrote, “I know first hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color to minimize us, to break us down and demonize us.”
In a reference to Meghan’s struggle with thoughts of dying by suicide, Williams continued, “The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal.”
pic.twitter.com/fYx4HlZutlMarch 8, 2021
“I want Meghan’s daughter, my daughter and your daughter to live in a society that is driven by respect.”
Read the full statement below:
Meghan Markle, my selfless friend, lives her life–and leads by example–with empathy and compassion. She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
I know first hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color to minimize us, to break us down and demonize us. We must recognize our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism. The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal.
I want Meghan’s daughter, my daughter and your daughter to live in a society that is driven by respect.
Keep in your memory the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Zoe Guy is the digital fellow at Marie Claire, where she covers pop culture, hot celebrity gossip, movies and TV. She’s obsessed with Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of The Age of Innocence, anything written by Jesmyn Ward and stan Twitter.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published