American Sports Player Taylor Townsend Expresses Regret for ‘Offensive’ Comments on Traditional Cuisine
US tennis star Taylor Townsend has issued an apology after receiving significant backlash for remarks she made on digital platforms regarding local Asian cuisine.
The 29-year-old, who is presently in the Chinese city of Shenzhen for the international tennis tournament, had previously posted videos on social media in which she reacted to dishes featuring frogs, soft-shell turtles, and marine delicacies.
She referred to the food as “among the most unusual things” she had ever seen, stating, “I need to talk to HR… eating turtle and bullfrog is WILD.”
Her remarks quickly drew strong responses on multiple international and local online communities.
Ms Townsend, who is the number one tennis professional in doubles, later apologized, saying, “I take full responsibility, words cannot justify it and, for me, I will be better.”
“I realize that I am extremely fortunate as a sports figure to be able to journey all around the world and encounter diverse traditions, which is among the reasons I appreciate so much about what I do,” she shared in a video posted to her social media.
She added that she had “the most amazing experience” at the tournament.
Earlier, she had posted her reactions to meals such as braised soft-shell turtle and spicy frog dish, which are considered traditional delicacies in Chinese culture, particularly in the southern regions.
In her original video, she asked, “Aren’t those toxic? Are these the ones that be giving you warts and boils and stuff?”
She also shared another video in which she and fellow player Hailey Baptiste appeared to make fun of a marine dish served at a dining area.
Social media commenters were swift to respond. One user on a social platform wrote, “Won’t defend Taylor here, clearly offensive and reveals a lack of understanding that there are diverse customs other than America.”
Another commented, “It is deeply offensive to mock other people’s cultural food.”
On local social media, the hashtag “American tennis player disparages Chinese food” began gaining traction.
One Weibo user stated, “While traveling overseas, appreciate the traditions and culture. You can opt not to eat it. There is no need to belittle our food.”
This incident comes less than a month after Townsend was engaged in a tense exchange with opponent Jelena Ostapenko, who had earlier made comments about her behavior on the court.
Ms Townsend and her team are scheduled to face Kazakhstan in the next round on Thursday.
