Serena Williams hasn’t yet given birth and she’s already having to defend her unborn chid.
After Romanian tennis legend Ilie Nastase reportedly made a racist comment about her growing bundle of joy with fiancé Alexis Ohanian, Williams took to Twitter to quickly shut him down.
“Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?” Nastase allegedly posted, according to Sports Illustrated.
The comment, for obvious reasons, angered many and even prompted the International Tennis Federation to investigate the incident.
“The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behavior of any kind,” the ITF said in a statement. “We are aware of alleged comments made by Romanian Captain Ilie Nastase and have begun an immediate investigation so that we have the full facts of the situation before taking further and appropriate action.”
Taking to Instagram, Williams responded:
It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers. I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet have so much further to go. Yes, we have broken down so many barriers- however there are a plethora more to go. This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right. I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. “Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words…you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air, I rise.
I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support.
Serena
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