Overview
- The American posted now-deleted Instagram videos from a Shenzhen buffet, deriding dishes such as bullfrogs, soft‑shelled turtles and sea cucumber.
- A Weibo hashtag about the episode became a top trending topic, drawing more than 50 million views, according to multiple outlets including AFP.
- Townsend’s apology video on Instagram said there was “no excuse” for her remarks and emphasized her privilege to experience cultural differences.
- Some responses on Chinese social media included racist attacks, according to AFP reporting.
- She remains with Team USA at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, with the U.S. scheduled to face Kazakhstan in Thursday’s quarterfinal in Shenzhen.