'12 Years a Slave' star Lupita Nyong'o has said that she used to pray for light coloured skin during her adolescence.
The 31-year-old Kenyan-Mexican actress said that she always wanted a lighter skin because she thought having a dark black skin was a curse, TMZ reported.
While receiving an award at a luncheon for Essence, the Nyong'o said that she was mocked for her "night-shaded skin" during her growing years.
She further added that she eventually learned that beauty comes in all shades and hopes to be an inspiration to other young girls who face similar issues.