Entertainment
Tyrese Gibson admits he used to be ‘so ashamed’ of his dark skin before working on self love
Tyrese Gibson has opened up the conversation on colourism (Picture: Getty)
Tyrese Gibson has highlighted the issue of colourism in the Black community by admitting that he used to be ‘so ashamed’ of his dark skin tone.
The Fast & Furious actor has been enjoying some rest and relaxation over the past week on an exotic summer holiday to Mayakoba, Mexico.
It appears to have given Tyrese time to reflect on his personal issues as he shared a heavy post on Instagram on Monday.
Alongside a video of him admiring his face in the camera, the actor confessed: ‘I used to be so ashamed of my dark skin when I was younger… Now I’m clear this is Kings and Queens skin!’
His revelation naturally drew a strong reaction from his followers, with one commenting: ‘It’s so sad….. childhood did a number on my chocolate brothas!!! Sooooo many FINE chocolate men lacked confidence until they were GROWN smh.’
Highlighting the positive message within the post, another praised: ‘This is beautiful 👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏 I love to see people fall in love with themselves.’
‘Learning to love yourself is a blessing,’ one other fan wrote supportively.
The Hollywood star has worked on self love (Picture: @tyrese, Instagram)
Pleased with Tyrese opening the conversation, another wrote: ‘Colorism in our community has always been prevalent so thankfully people are being to address it so we as black ppl can move forward.’
‘As he should. be proud of the skin your in always and forever,’ another replied.
It’s not the first time Tyrese, 42, has spoken about his childhood trauma, as he previously said on TV One’s Uncensored: ‘I had never felt a piece of handsome. I had never felt a piece of being cute. I had never heard compliments throughout my childhood. I never got any attention from the ladies.
‘I caught every joke in the dark skin community ever. I was Black, burnt, tarp. I was all teeth and eyes. I was blurple — Black and purple and I just never felt attractive, ever.’
The R&B singer added: ‘And after I had that moment, it did more for my confidence than you could ever imagine because it was a high that I would hope to experience for the rest of my life.’
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It may come as a surprise to most as Tyrese actually began his career as a model in TV adverts before launching his music career with debut single, Sweet Lady, in 1999.
He then went on to become a blockbuster star with roles in films such as Transformers and, of course, the Fast & Furious franchise which he’s starred in since 2003.
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