Serena Williams supports friend Meghan Markle in heartfelt letter ‘decrying vilification of Black women’ after Oprah interview

Serena Williams has led the celebrity support for her friend Meghan Markle following the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

During the interview which aired in the US on Sunday, Meghan and Harry claimed that the members of the Royal family expressed concerns about ‘how dark’ their son Archie’s skin would be, while also detailing the breakdown of Harry’s relationship with his father Charles. 

In an Instagram post, tennis champ Serena cheered on her longtime friend Meghan for being open about her mental health and how she considered suicide. 

Serena, 39, 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 experienced. 

‘I know first hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women of colour to minimise us, to break us down and to demonise us.’ 

The Wimbledon champ continued: ‘The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimisation 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.’ 

See more

Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis commented on the post: ‘Yes!!! Truth is brave because there is an enormous deficit out there. Beautiful standing by your friend.❤️.’ 

Ayesha Curry, who is married to NBA star Stephen Curry, said: ‘Amen to this!’ 

Meena Harris, niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, was clearly affected by Meghan’s revelation about her mental health and tweeted: ‘She was suicidal and begged for help.’ 

Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar weighed in: ‘I just watched the Harry and Meghan interview with Oprah on US TV. Hmm … I’ll be interested to see the reaction in the UK tomorrow.’ 

However, when asked for his thoughts on the interview, Lord Sugar replied to one follower: ‘I have no comment!’ 

Detailing her account of the racism she allegedly received while pregnant with son Archie, Meghan told Oprah: ‘In those months when I was pregnant, we had in tandem the conversations of him not being given security or a title, and also concerns about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.’ 

The chat show host then asked her: ‘Who is having that conversation with you?’ but Meghan would not say who raised this, adding: ‘I think that would be damaging to them.’ 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah airs in the UK tonight on ITV at 9pm. 

Got a showbiz story? 

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview: 6 shows to watch before to get you up to date

MORE : YouTuber Josh Pieters ‘proves royal experts lie about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’ in new stunt