Paula Badosa "Not Imitating Asians" Excuse
After Fierce Criticism, Finally Apologizes and Withdraws from Tournament
Paula Badosa, a Spanish tennis player who rose to world No. 2 in women's tennis rankings, has sparked a racial discrimination controversy after making a gesture of pulling her eyes in China.
On the 9th, the British daily The Telegraph reported that Badosa visited Beijing, China, at the end of last month to participate in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour China Open. At a restaurant, she made an 'eye-pulling' gesture and posted it on social media, drawing widespread criticism from netizens worldwide. The 'eye-pulling' gesture is a representative act of racial discrimination that mocks the physical features of Asians and is strictly prohibited by organizations such as the F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Paula Badosa, a Spanish national who rose to No. 2 in the women's tennis world rankings, became embroiled in a racial discrimination controversy after making an eye-slanting gesture in China. [Photo by X]
Earlier, her coach, Paul Toledo Vague, shared a photo of Paula Badosa at a restaurant on his Instagram. In the photo he shared, Paula Badosa is seen placing chopsticks at the corners of both eyes and making an eye-pulling expression, which sparked controversy. When criticized for committing a racially discriminatory act, Badosa explained, "I was not imitating Asians but playing with my face and wrinkles," and claimed, "I love Asia and have many Asian friends."
As criticism continued, Badosa eventually issued an apology. She posted a statement saying, "I did not realize that my actions could cause discomfort due to racial discrimination. I am truly sorry," and added, "All responsibility lies with me. I will learn more from this mistake." As the controversy did not subside, Paula Badosa, who was scheduled to participate in a tournament held this week in Wuhan, China, withdrew citing gastroenteritis.
In 2017, the Serbia women's volleyball team caused controversy by taking a group photo with their eyes slanted after defeating Poland in the World Championship qualifiers, securing their spot in the main tournament held in Japan the following year. [Photo by YTN News]
Previously, in 2017, the Serbian women's volleyball team caused controversy by taking a group photo pulling their eyes after defeating Poland in the World Championship qualifiers, securing their spot in the finals held in Japan the following year. Also, around August 2022, a fan who committed a racially discriminatory act against Son Heung-min, who plays in the English Premier League (EPL), was banned indefinitely from entering stadiums.
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