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Serena Williams’ unretouched cover is here and we bow down

Serena Williams once again caught the world’s attention. This time, with her unretouched cover for the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Clad in a gold Stella McCartney gown with a Tiffany necklace and earrings, Serena graces their “real beauty” issue. In a shot accompanying the inside story, she is also seen wearing nothing but a gold Ralph Lauren capelet and jewelry, her back to the camera.

The issue features Serena’s personal essay, where she addresses the controversial match between her and Naomi Osaka. She revealed that she got in touch with Naomi after the match and apologized. “I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I would love the chance to live that moment over again,” part of her message read.

“I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another Black female athlete. I can’t wait for your future, and believe me I will always be watching as a big fan!”

She also admitted that Naomi’s response—“People can misunderstand anger for strength because they can’t differentiate between the two… No one has stood up for themselves the way you have and you need to continue trailblazing”—has made her very emotional.

Despite criticisms, she said she won’t be silenced the next time she feels wronged. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve felt a need to voice my opinion and be heard,” she wrote. “Some may not like it, and to be honest, that’s their prerogative. I respect it. Growing up as the youngest of five girls, I learned that I had to fight for everything I wanted. And I won’t ever stop raising my voice against injustice.”

We are so here for this.

[Today]

Photo courtesy of Harper Bazaar‘s Instagram account

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