From what I recall he doesn’t look very different than he did 20 years. Except darker. Why?
He opted for P.C???
Lordy, Just tell the truth.
A DNA analysis showed the genes for the darker skin.
20 years ago the reconstruction was based on the best data available. Everyone whose ancestors were from within a thousand kilometers or so of Cheddar had pale skin. The best bet was that hadn’t changed much in 10,000 years.
Actual DNA data trumped that.
Not unprecedented, look at the skin tones of an “African-American” as compared to a just off the boat African immigrant.
You might also recall that when he was touring Africa, Muhammad Ali was astonished to be introduced to the locals as a white American. That was after what, his ancestors being maybe 300 years in a country with less UV exposure.