American tennis player Taylor Townsend issued an apology in China on Wednesday morning for remarks she made about local cuisine before the Billie Jean Cup finals in Shenzhen, which sparked a negative reaction.
In a video posted on her Instagram story, Townsend reflected on her positive experiences in the country and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to explore various cultures through her profession. She acknowledged her privilege as a professional athlete to travel worldwide and learn from cultural differences, emphasizing her love for such experiences.
Expressing remorse from the depths of her heart, Townsend admitted that her previous comments did not reflect the kindness and hospitality she had encountered in China. She emphasized her gratitude for representing her country and pledged to do better in the future.
The backlash against Townsend was triggered by videos she shared of Chinese cuisine, including turtle and bullfrog dishes, accompanied by captions expressing surprise and discomfort. The negative comments flooded her Instagram, attacking her character.
Currently in China as part of Team USA for the Billie Jean Cup finals, Townsend, the top-ranked doubles player, is set to compete alongside McCartney Kessler. The incident occurred shortly after Townsend’s successful performance at the US Open, where she reached the fourth round in singles and the doubles final.
In a separate development, Townsend has launched her clothing line, capitalizing on her growing popularity in the tennis world.