Every few months, social media stirs up the same tired conversation: Skin bleaching. Someone’s glow-up or flawless look has the internet in a frenzy, and the accusations start flying. This time, femcee JT is caught in the commentary crossfire, with TikTok detectives convinced that her naturally radiant complexion must result from skin-bleaching.
The obsession with Black women’s skin tone is exhausting, and it needs to stop.
RELATED: Serena Williams Shuts Down Skin-Bleaching Accusations: ‘I Do Not Bleach My Skin!’
JT swiftly responds to TikTok haters who accuse her of skin bleaching
JT, whose real name is Jatavia Shakara Johnson, said she was jumping on TikTok looking for tips as many of us do. She, specifically, was looking for advice on smiley piercing and how to keep her hoop from falling out.
Then, the City Cinderella said she saw commenters talking about her and accusing her of bleaching her skin. In true JT fashion, she wasted no time checking the haters: “Do y’all ever talk about yourself on this app? Do y’all care about your own self, or do y’all only care about who is doing better than y’all?”
Her comments have some merit. Social media has a bad habit of projecting insecurities and double standards on Black women. (And it’s usually for no reason).
JT’s clapback is a stark reminder of the lingering impact of colorism in our culture.
The reality is that colorism is a deep-rooted issue that has haunted our community for generations. It’s rooted in a history where proximity to whiteness meant privilege and power. It’s the house vs. field mentality passed down like a toxic family heirloom.
The Smithsonian says, “The effects of colorism have proven to be damaging to the identity of black Americans by leading to internalized oppression in the black community. Moreover, the concept of identity, and how a person presents oneself to make a living, is not only an issue that has historically hindered black actors and actresses but everyday black Americans as well.”
To that end, JT is not the first beloved Black woman celeb accused of altering her skin tone. Remember when folks came for Beyoncé after the Renaissance screening in 2023?
She stepped out looking flawless always—platinum blonde hair and a silver fit—and suddenly, the internet was in a tizzy, talking about skin lightening. It got so out of hand that Mama Tina had to jump in with a reel repost and long IG caption telling everyone to mind their business and quit perpetuating harmful narratives.
Nearly two years later – and many times in between – we’re still having this debate. What about Serena Williams, Jayda Cheaves, and Lil Kim, just to name a few? All of these bombshell beauties have found themselves in the skin-bleaching conversation. But why? No Black woman should have to explain or justify her skin tone to anyone.
RELATED: Jayda Cheaves Sets The Record Straight On Skin Bleaching Rumors
We know colorism is a trauma that has been passed down, but it doesn’t have to continue.
So to the ones so quick to accuse women like JT of altering themselves: Let’s redirect that energy to self-love, lifting each other, and building confidence instead of trying to knock it down. We’ve got enough battles to fight without turning on each other.
All Black is beautiful. Period.
