US tennis star apologises for ‘offensive’ Chinese food comments

American tennis star Taylor Townsend apologized after entering under fire for his comments on Chinese dinner on social media.

For the Billie Jean Cups final, 29 -year -old in China’s Shenzhen, 29 -year -old, published videos on Instagram, where she talked about frogs, turtles and sea cucumbers: “This is the crazy thing I’ve ever seen … HR has to talk to HR … [eating] Turtle and Bullfrog wild. “

He rapidly reacted both in English and China on social media platforms.

Mrs. Townsend, the world’s top player player, then apologized: “There is no excuse, there is no word, and I will be better for me.”

In a video sent to Instagram on Wednesday, adding that he has the “most surprising experience in the tournament,” he said, as a professional athlete, I understand that I am very privileged to travel the whole world and to experience cultural differences. ”

Townsend was taken to Instagram the day before, and shared his reaction to some foods he saw in a restaurant, including Fish Maw and Fish Maw and Dry Puel, including dishes such as frying soft -sheed turtles.

These are considered traditional flavors in China, especially in the south.

“These people are literally killing frogs … Bullfrogs. Isn’t that toxic? Isn’t it those who give you warts and boiling and turtles?

In addition, he released another video he looked like a buffet with his teammate Hailey Baptiste, and the two made fun of a sea cucumber dinner.

He was quickly called on social media.

“He will not defend Taylor here, clearly disturbing and shocking his lack of understanding [that] There are different cultures outside the United States, “he said.

Another said, “It is really disturbing to mock other people’s cultural food.”

The Chinese social media quickly illuminated his comments and “American tennis player to the public insulting Chinese food” Hashtag was trendy.

“When you go abroad, when you respect local traditions and culture, you can choose not to eat. No need to underestimate our food.” He said.

Most recently, Ms. Townsend comes in a warm conflict with Latvian rival Jelena Ostapenko.

Mrs. Ostapenko apologized, but refused to be racist, saying that his comments referred to the rules of tennis. “But I understand how the words used can disturb many people beyond the tennis court.”

Ms. Townsend and her teammates will face Kazakhstan for the quarter finals on Thursday.