Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa issues an apology for a photo showing an offensive gesture, after being accused of racism. The photo was taken after her loss at the China Open.
BollywoodFever: Former world No. 2 tennis player Paula Badosa has issued an apology following backlash over a photo that appeared to show her pulling her eyes back with chopsticks while in China.
The image, posted on Instagram by her coach Pol Toledo after Badosa’s semifinal loss at the China Open, quickly sparked accusations of racism for the offensive gesture often used to mock East Asian people.
The 26-year-old Spaniard, currently ranked No. 15, initially defended herself by explaining that the gesture was not meant to imitate Asians but was her “playing around with [her] face and wrinkles.” Badosa also expressed her admiration for Asia, stating, “I love Asia … and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
Despite her defense, the photo was swiftly deleted, and Badosa later issued a formal apology ahead of her appearance at the Wuhan Tournament. Posting on X, she wrote, “Really sorry, I didn’t know this was offensive [or] towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility.”
Shortly after the controversy, Badosa withdrew from the Wuhan Tournament due to a gastrointestinal illness.
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