Paula Badosa responds to racism accusations over controversial photo in China

Ewan West
Paula Badosa gestures at the China Open
Paula Badosa in action at the 2024 China Open

Paula Badosa has been accused of mocking Chinese people in a controversial photo shared after her participation at the China Open. 

Pol Toledo, Badosa’s physical trainer, shared a series of photos featuring Badosa and other members of the Spaniard’s team from their trip to Beijing in an Instagram post.

One photo, which has since been removed from the post, showed Badosa seemingly pulling her eyelids back with chopsticks.

The image has seen Badosa come under fire on social media, with some users accusing her of mockingly imitating Asian people and branding the gesture racist.

Badosa has since responded to the heavy criticism she has faced in two separate social media posts.

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In a comment on Toledo’s post which shared the photo, Badosa insisted she was not imitating anyone and expressed her love for Asia and Asian people.

“Oh no please don’t get it that way. Never thought it would get interpreted this way, we weren’t even imitating Asian people,” wrote the 26-year-old.

“I was playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia, one of my favourite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”

Badosa then apologised and said she takes responsibility for the mistake in a reply to a Twitter user criticising her initial message.

“Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism,” Badosa responded.

“My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand…. I love you all.”

Badosa reached the semi-finals at the China Open, where she lost to eventual winner Coco Gauff in three sets.

The Spaniard’s run continued her resurgent form since the grass-court season and saw her jump four places from 19th to 15th in the WTA Rankings.

The former world No 2 will next compete at the Wuhan Open WTA 1000 event, where she will face Ajla Tomljanovic in her opening match.

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