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Taylor Townsend Apologizes After China Outcry Over Videos Mocking Local Cuisine

The world No. 1 in doubles called her posts inexcusable, pledging to be better.

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.