"Why Eat Turtles and Frogs?" Uproar Over Anti-China Remarks... US Tennis Player Issues Sincere Apology

Expresses Disgust Toward Chinese Cuisine on Social Media
Issues Apology Amid Growing Controversy
Previously Faced Racial Discrimination at the 2023 US Open

American tennis player Taylor Townsend, who participated in the Billie Jean King Cup, a women's national tennis competition held in Shenzhen, China, sparked controversy after expressing disgust toward Chinese cuisine and has since issued an apology. On the 15th, Townsend visited China for the tournament and shared photos of local food she encountered on social media, describing it as "the strangest thing I have ever seen." She further expressed her discomfort by questioning, "How can you eat turtle and bullfrog?" and "Aren't frogs poisonous?" adding, "I might get boils on my body if I eat this."

On the 15th, Townsend participated in the Billie Jean King Cup held in Shenzhen, China, and shared photos of the local food she encountered on social media, describing it as "the strangest thing I have ever seen." Photo by Taylor Townsend Instagram

Taylor Townsend, currently ranked No. 1 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) doubles rankings and a champion at both this year's Australian Open and the 2023 Wimbledon women's doubles, also reached the round of 16 in singles at the 2024 US Open. However, after her remarks expressing disgust toward Chinese cuisine led to widespread controversy, Townsend posted an apology video on the 17th. She stated, "As a professional athlete, I am well aware that traveling the world and experiencing cultural differences is a great privilege. Everyone has treated me kindly, but I made comments that were completely inappropriate. I sincerely apologize and will strive to be a better person."

American tennis player Tyler Townsend is facing criticism after posting content on his social media that criticizes Chinese cuisine. Tyler Townsend Instagram

Previously, Townsend experienced racial discrimination at the 2023 US Open. During a singles match, she had an argument with Jelena Ostapenko, who referred to Townsend as "an uneducated player." When asked by reporters if she considered this racial discrimination, Townsend calmly responded, "I did not take it as racism, but generally, such expressions are often based on prejudice." In contrast, Ostapenko explained that the controversy arose because "English is not my native language, so my intent was not conveyed correctly." While Townsend was the victim in the previous racial discrimination incident, she has now come under fire for her recent remarks about Chinese cuisine, fueling ongoing controversy.

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