Dr. Umar Johnson recently shared his thoughts on the viral pictures of Serena Williams, in which the tennis champion appeared with noticeably lighter skin. Expressing concern for her health and well-being, Dr. Umar admitted that while he is a fan of Serena, he feels troubled by the drastic change in her appearance.

“I love Serena Williams, but I am concerned about the drastic change I’ve seen in her skin tone,” Dr. Umar stated. He explained that while he refrains from speculating on her choices, his main worry is whether these changes are tied to her health. He emphasized that Black celebrities like Serena, who are highly visible and wealthy, face additional pressures that can affect their mental and physical well-being.

Dr. Umar also used this opportunity to offer support to Black celebrities who might feel isolated and unable to trust traditional therapy due to confidentiality concerns. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here,” he offered, encouraging celebrities, especially Black ones, to seek help from trusted individuals who can provide a safe space without fear of their private conversations being exposed.

Further, Dr. Umar addressed the struggles faced by many Black celebrities who find themselves surrounded by non-Black teams, pointing out that this dynamic could be harmful in times of crisis. He referenced examples of celebrities like Michael Jackson and Jamie Foxx, who had large entourages made up mostly of non-Black individuals, which he believes can lead to feelings of distrust and alienation.

“In moments of life-threatening situations, Black people, particularly Black women, are often the ones who can be trusted to provide real care,” Dr. Umar explained. He emphasized the importance of having a strong, supportive network of Black family and friends who genuinely care, rather than relying on individuals with business interests.

Dr. Umar concluded by reiterating his love and concern for Serena Williams, expressing his hope that she is surrounded by caring people, particularly her sister Venus, and that she continues to prioritize her health and well-being. He ended with a prayer for her, wishing her the best and hoping that any changes she is going through are for her benefit, not harm.