- Serena Williams called close friend Meghan Markle "the strongest person" she knows, in a new interview on Stuart Weitzman's YouTube show Shine Series.
- "Meghan is a great person and I think the epitome of strength, the epitome of confidence, the epitome of just selflessness, and the epitome of everything is just her and everything that she's gone through," Williams said.
- She reflected on the letter of support for Meghan she shared after the Sussexes' interview with Oprah Winfrey, commenting, "I think it was important for me to say something because I'm tired of sitting back and seeing all this negativity that's just not true."
Serena Williams has long been one of Meghan Markle's staunchest defenders, throughout the onslaught of racist abuse and harassment the royal has faced. Williams wrote a letter of support for the Duchess of Sussex after her candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which she shared the racism she received from the royal family and the media, the lack of support she was given, and her mental health struggles. And in the premiere episode of Stuart Weitzman's YouTube show Shine Series, the tennis GOAT reiterated her support for her friend, calling Meghan "the epitome of strength."
Williams, the global spokeswoman for Stuart Weitzman, spoke with chief marketing officer Behnaz Ghahramani for the YouTube series, which comprises "conversations with inspiring figures about letting your strength shine through." Reflecting on her friendship with the Duchess, Williams said, "Meghan is a great person and I think the epitome of strength, the epitome of confidence, the epitome of just selflessness, and the epitome of everything is just her and everything that she's gone through."
"I know it's not easy, and you can see from the interview that it wasn't easy. But she had so much poise and she still had so much class," she continued.
"I just think that she is the strongest person I know. I don't know anyone else that could handle everything on such a global scale the way that she's had to handle things that are just untrue, minute after minute. Not even day after day, just minute after minute, another untrue allegation being thrown at her," Williams said.
Reflecting on the letter of support she shared after the Sussexes' interview with Winfrey, in which she praised her "selfless friend" Meghan and condemned "the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color," Williams commented, "I think it was important for me to say something because I'm tired of sitting back and seeing all this negativity that's just not true."
She spoke, too, about supporting other women and the lessons she hopes to teach her daughter, Olympia. "I compete against women all the time. We can go tooth and nails, but it doesn't mean we have that we have anything against each other," she said. "I actually support you and I want the best for you."
"I really just hope that I inspire Olympia and the next generation of girls to believe that anything is possible. And, mostly, to believe in themselves," Williams said.
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.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
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
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published