Controversy surrounds top-ranked player Taylor Townsend following her remarks about China: 'These people'
US Tennis Star Taylor Townsend Apologises for Controversial Remarks
Taylor Townsend, a US tennis star, has issued an apology for comments she made about Chinese people and cuisine during the Billie Jean King Cup finals in China. The apology comes after widespread criticism on social media.
Townsend's controversial remarks were made on Instagram, where she expressed surprise at the variety of food available in Shenzhen, including turtle and bullfrog. She wrote: "Imma have to talk to HR.. because what the hell.. turtle and bullfrog is WILD."
The apology was prompted after China was eliminated from the Billie Jean King Cup finals by Italy in the first quarter-finals tie of the event. Townsend later expressed regret, stating that her comments were not representative of her overall experience in China and apologized for any offense caused.
Townsend is due to play in the quarter-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup finals against Kazakhstan on Thursday. She went on to reach the fourth round in singles before making the doubles final.
This is not the first time Townsend has been involved in a heated exchange. Just weeks prior, she was involved in a similar incident at the US Open. Jelena Ostapenko, Townsend's rival, issued an apology for their exchange at the US Open.
Ostapenko, who lost her match against Townsend, reacted furiously to the defeat, jabbing her finger in Townsend's face and accusing her of having "no education" and "no class". Ostapenko denied being racist while defending her actions.
Naomi Osaka, another US tennis player, claimed Ostapenko's comment about education was "one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport". Ostapenko has since issued an apology for her comments, acknowledging that they could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.
Townsend revealed that she had not personally spoken to Ostapenko but welcomed the public apology. The semi-finals and final of the Billie Jean King Cup finals are scheduled to take place over the weekend.
