Romanian tennis Hall of Famer Ilie Nastase is feeling the wrath of not only the International Tennis Federation but also Serena Williams after he made comments about her unborn child.
On Sunday, Nastase was suspended by the International Tennis Federation for cursing at British player Johanna Konta, Britain captain Anne Keothavong and an umpire during the Fed Cup match between Great Britain and Romania. But even before doing all of that, on Friday he speculated during a conference about what the color of Williams’ baby will be.
“Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?” Nastase said.
In response to his comments, Williams posted a lengthy Instagram statement and quoted Maya Angelou.
Williams wrote: “It disappoints me to know we live in a society which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers.
“This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do,” Williams added. “I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right.”
But, of course, Nastase doesn’t see why his comment was deemed racist.
“I want to know what word I used is racist?” Nastase said in an interview with the Associated Press.
Nasty Nastase sounds like he lives in Kinja.