Serena Williams' fury over sickening Meghan Markle interview claim

Serena Williams has thrown her support behind Meghan Markle after the Duchess of Sussex's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey on Monday.

Some of the more explosive claims Markle made included that she contemplated suicide and that the royal family had "concerns and conversations" about the colour of baby Archie's skin.

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Reacting to the interview on social media, Serena spoke out in support of good friend Markle while also taking aim at the media and "tabloid journalism."

“Meghan Markle, my selfless friend, lives her life – and leads by example – with empathy and compassion,” the 23-time grand slam champion tweeted.

“She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.

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

“We must recognise our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism.

"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.”

Markle has attended a number of Serena's matches throughout her career, while the tennis legend was also invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding.

Meghan Markle's explosive claims in Oprah interview

On Monday, Markle said she started to have suicidal thoughts during her first pregnancy as the intense scrutiny took its toll.

“I realised it was all happening just because I was breathing,” she said.

“I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he suffered but I knew that if I didn’t say it, that I would do it, and I just didn’t want to be alive any more.

“And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.

“We had to go to this event and I remember him saying, 'I don’t think you can go' and I said 'I can’t be left alone'."

Meghan said she went to the royal family for help.

“I said that I’ve never felt this way before and that I need to go somewhere and I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution,” she said.

“I share this because there’s so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help and I know personally know how hard it is to voice it but to voice it and be told ‘no’.”

Markle refused to divulge who raised concerns about Acrhie's skin, saying it would be 'damaging' for that person.

"That was relayed to me by Harry that was conversations family had with him," she said.

A gobsmacked Oprah asked: "Was the concern he would be too brown?"

To which Markle responded: "I wasn't able to follow up why, but if that's the assumption you're making it feels like a pretty safe one."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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