“My Husband Called Me Ugly, Said He Wished He Had Chosen a Lighter-Skinned Woman to Have His Children” — Lady Says

African-American woman Marie Cherilien has claimed that 85% of Black men struggle with internalized racism and prefer lighter-skinned women.

Cherilien made the claim in a Facebook post on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after revealing that her husband called her ugly and said he wished he had chosen a lighter-skinned woman to be the mother of his children.

She said his words shocked and hurt her, but she chose not to respond as she would have in the past. According to Cherilien, she has learned to love and value herself and has “outgrown” her husband over the years.

Despite the lack of love in their marriage, Cherilien said the couple still have three children, two properties and three successful businesses together.

She also advised dark-skinned women to carefully vet potential partners and make sure they do not have internalized racism or negative attitudes toward darker skin.

Her comments have sparked conversations about colorism, self-love and relationships within the Black community.

See below her post:

“Black men prefer lighter skin women by 85% plus. If you are on the dark skin side of blackness, you need to vet him whether or not he is a coon,” she wrote.

Never understood how my husband can call me all of these cruel names, today he called me ugly while I was holding our 4 year old son.

“He said I was ugly and I can see why your mama treated you the way she did and called you ugly as a child” no one wants you and I wish I would have chosen a lighter woman for the mother of my children.

Whew I was lost for words but silent because I know who I am and I’ve grown to love myself the way I am, the old me would have reacted but I am at a time in my life where I am healing, I outgrew my husband years ago.

We have 3 successful businesses, 2 properties and 3 kids.

On the way to school the other day, my daughter said we are only business partners living in the same house and laughed, I am surprised she noticed that.

My children doesn’t even see love in our marriage, that’s heartbreaking.