"All this bullying is insane & ridiculous": Paula Badosa hits back after being 'misjudged' for bringing back China Open 'racism' controversy

Paula Badosa has defended herself against criticism for her recent banter with her coach, Pol Toledo, regarding the China Open racism controversy. Their comments sparked significant discussion earlier this month.

Badosa had a solid run at the China Open, reaching the semifinals before being defeated by the eventual champion, Coco Gauff. Following that, her coach posted a series of Instagram photos that included one of the Spaniard playfully using chopsticks and pulling her eyes back, which some interpreted as a mockery of South Asian features.

The incident faded after Badosa apologized, clarifying that she didn't intend to offend. Recently, she revived the topic by joking with her coach on Instagram. She shared an appreciation post he made and teased him for not posting anything that could put her under fire this time.

This did not sit well with many fans, as one user took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse her of being insensitive with her latest remarks. Several others echoed similar sentiments, expressing their disapproval.

Paula Badosa responded to the backlash, stating that she felt misjudged and was trying to find humour in a negative situation. She described the "bullying" she’s been facing as "insane" and urged everyone to move on.

"Do you know me to say all this kind of things? Who do you think you are to judge me without even knowing anything about me? I think this proves more the person you are than me. If you knew me a 1% you would know I’m the kind of person that tries to find humor on negativity," she replied on X.

She added:

"Because people like you are bringing to much negativity on this world so I try to turn the situation around. Because all this bullying is insane and it’s ridiculous. The story was finish when I came out and apologize and took the entire responsibility of it. Move on. Jesus."

Paula Badosa via X

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Paula Badosa: "It’s really tiring to see constantly hate and criticism on this social media"

Paula Badosa pictured at the 2024 French Open | Image Source: Getty

Paula Badosa continued addressing the issue on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her frustration with the constant hate and criticism she has been facing on social media.

She admitted that while her initial actions may not have been appropriate, the people of China forgave her and treated her wonderfully.

"It's really tiring to see constantly hate and criticism on this social media," the Spaniard wrote. "I had an issue, YES. But after that people and fans in China treated me amazing. Because they UNDERSTAND people can be wrong, recognize it and correct to be better next time and have another chance."

The former Indian Wells champion added that it "hurt" her to be spoken to in such a harsh way by strangers, calling it "insane" and "unacceptable."

"It really hurts me cause I'm not that kind of person and it hurts me that unknown people talks about me that way. It's really insane and unacceptable. I never even pay attention to it or answer. But enough is enough," she wrote.

Paula Badosa via X