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Paula Badosa responds to the accusation of racism against Asians and ‘lying’ about it

Posted on by Vaseline
Paula Badosa responds to the accusation of racism against Asians and ‘lying’ about it

Paula Badosa is in the middle of a bizarre situation where fans are tearing up over what they say was a clearly racist post towards Asian people.

Last week, the world number 15 took part in the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing. After losing to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals and seeing her campaign end in disappointing fashion as she held a set and a break lead against the eventual champion, the Spanish tennis star appeared in some of the photos posted by her coach Pol Toledo Instagram posted. .

In one photo, Badosa is seen sitting in a restaurant and using chopsticks to draw her eyes. That led to the former world number 2 receiving strong criticism and backlash. She initially defended herself by explaining and insisting that she had absolutely no intention of “imitating Asians,” let alone being racist.

Paula Badosa
Paula Badosa© Pol Toledo/Instagram – Fair use

“Oh no, please don’t take it that way. Never thought it would be interpreted this way, we weren’t even imitating Asian people. I was playing with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia, it’s one of my favorite people and have a lot of Asian friends, they are the nicest,” Badosa wrote in the comments section.

However, fans were still not happy with the Spaniard at all, with one writing: “No badosa lying between her teeth… ‘I was playing with my face and wrinkles’ girl, please be real for a moment. “

After being accused of lying, the former world number 2 claimed she was unaware it could be interpreted in a racist context and admitted her mistake.

“Hey guys! I’m really sorry, I didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. These mistakes will teach me for next time. I hope you understand… I love all of you.”

Badosa deleted some posts, which led to more criticism and comments

On Instagram, coach Toledo deleted the message that criticized the Spanish tennis star. While some scrutinized the Spanish tennis star, some also defended her, claiming that some people were just trying to find a reason to criticize someone.

“You have done nothing wrong… unfortunately there are people who always have to give their opinion. The problems are different. Always on your side… you are an example to follow,” someone wrote to the world No. 15. She responded by dropping three heart emojis.

“Paula, the world is basically messed up. I’d make a joke like that too if I were in your situation. It is weak for those who are offended by a joke. Live your life!’ another person wrote. In response, Badosa responded by posting sad and praying emojis.

The four-time WTA champion responding to these messages helped her gain more attention. Those messages were subsequently deleted.

It was not the first time Badosa was criticized during her stay in Beijing

At this year’s China Open, the former world number 2 also competed in doubles with Karolina Muchova, where they defeated Anna Danilina and Irina Khromacheva 6-3 6-2 on their debut as a team. But their doubles match fell through after they gave a walkover to their Round of 16 opponents.

Khromacheva, who is solely focused on doubles, became extremely irritated by that move and she absolutely threw herself at Badosa and her Czech doubles partner.

“Bravo WTA. We lost to singles in doubles in the Beijing tournament… And the second round they withdraw because they don’t care about doubles… but they keep playing singles this week… Totally crazy by taking seats from teams that could compete and fully participate… I have had this situation twice this year where when they won the first round, they withdrew… Without considering doubles players… And also for people who sign up on the spot and try to get in… Very nice rule for Plus tournaments where there is one lost match on the schedule… Respect in the WTA tour, no I haven’t heard it exists …Crazy,” Khromacheva wrote on her Instagram Story.

Although the Spanish tennis star did not directly mention the Russian doubles player, she did appear to provide a response.

“People judge without fully understanding anything. It’s cruel (laughing emoji),” she wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Badosa is still in China, but in a different city this week, as she prepares to kick off her campaign at the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan, where she will play Ajla Tomljanovic in the first round.

It remains to be seen whether the recent incidents will have any impact on the Spaniard and whether she can enjoy another big run in this year’s Asian swing.

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