US Sports Player Taylor Townsend Expresses Regret for ‘Offensive’ Remarks on Traditional Cuisine

American tennis star Taylor Townsend has released an statement of regret after receiving widespread backlash for comments she made on digital platforms regarding traditional Asian food.

The professional athlete, who is presently in Shenzhen for the international tennis tournament, had earlier posted clips on social media in which she commented to meals featuring bullfrogs, turtles, and marine delicacies.

She referred to the food as “among the most unusual things” she had encountered, adding, “I need to talk to HR… consuming turtle and bullfrog is WILD.”

Her remarks quickly drew strong responses on multiple English and Chinese online communities.

Ms Townsend, who is the number one tennis professional in doubles, later apologized, stating, “I take full responsibility, words cannot justify it and, for me, I will be better.”

“I understand that I am extremely fortunate as a sports figure to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things I appreciate so much about what I do,” she said in a video posted to Instagram.

She added that she had “an incredible experience” at the tournament.

Earlier, she had posted her reactions to dishes such as braised soft-shell turtle and dry pot bullfrog, which are regarded as traditional delicacies in Chinese culture, particularly in the southern regions.

In her original video, she questioned, “Aren’t those poisonous? Aren’t those the ones that cause warts and boils and stuff?”

She also shared another clip in which she and teammate Hailey Baptiste were seen joking about a marine dish offered at a dining area.

Social media commenters were swift to respond. One individual on X stated, “Cannot support Taylor here, obviously disrespectful and shocks a poor awareness regarding the fact there are different cultures other than America.”

Another added, “It is deeply offensive to mock other people’s traditional cuisine.”

On local social media, the hashtag “US athlete publicly insults Chinese food” began trending.

One Weibo user stated, “When you go overseas, appreciate the local customs and culture. You can opt not to eat it. There is no need to disparage our food.”

This situation comes less than a few weeks after Townsend was engaged in a heated confrontation with opponent Jelena Ostapenko, who had earlier made comments about Townsend’s behavior on the court.

The player and her teammates are scheduled to compete against Kazakhstan in the quarter finals on the upcoming match day.