When I posted pictures of former Cosby kid Tempestt Bledsoe’s uneven skin blotches earlier today, I noted that she looked as if she had bleaching. In less than 2 hours, I received a flurry of angry emails from readers upset that I said Tempestt was bleaching her skin.

How would I know that to be a fact? I have never examined Tempestt and I am not privy to her medical history. This is a blog and I was simply speculating on her skin condition based on the photos.

If Tempestt is not bleaching her skin, I humbly apologize. But please keep in mind that bloggers are just like you — we are human and we do make mistakes.

Loyal reader Sharonda Hollis writes:

Hi Sandra,

I understand that one of the novelties of your blog is to sometimes throw out questionable information in an effort to get your readers more engaged, but I wanted to provide some accurate information about Tempestt Bledsoe because I do not like to see sistahs get unfairly criticized. Tempestt Bledsoe is a long sufferer of Vitiligo, a skin condition that I’m sure you are familiar with (since you have a healthcare background in nursing). The blotchy discolorations on her face are due to her disease. I’m sure you were sent full-length pictures of Tempestt and her husband, Darryl Bell (Ron Johnson from “A Different World”) on the red carpet for this TV Land awards ceremony, and noted that her arms are also severely discolored.

Again, I understand the entertainment and sometime shock value that you utilize for you blog, but to miscategorize this beautiful woman’s illness really bothers me. Please correct this for your readers. Thank you.

Have a blessed day,
Sharonda Hollis

Loyal reader Tamara S. also writes:

Sandra,

I love your blog. I really do. But seriously, every black woman in Hollywood is not bleaching their skin! C’mon! Tempestt looks like she was the victim of too much powder and foundation. Her make-up artist clearly doesn’t like her or doesn’t know what she’s doing. The unevenness and the ashy look of her face is too much powder over her foundation, bad color choice of foundation and powder, no bronzer and no primer. I’m a bit of a make-up junkie! LOL This is often the case when stars look lighter than their natural complexion and lets not forget lighting!

I’m not saying that skin bleaching doesn’t happen but not every celebrity black woman is practicing. And it sounds awfully ignorant to always suggest so.

Keep up the great work!

Tamara