Controversial former tennis star Ilie Nastase had an entire career’s worth of headlines for his comments and behaviour off the court, and now he’s under fire for making a gross, racist comment about Serena Williams‘ pregnancy.
The 70-year-old Romanian captain is now under investigation by the International Tennis Federation over his remark, which was made during a press conference the day before the country’s Fed Cup tennis play-off against Great Britain. Nastase was heard saying – in reference to Williams’ unborn child – “Let’s see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?”
Nastase at the French Open.
The ITF quickly issued a statement condemning Nastase’s comment and announcing an investigation.
The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behaviour of any kind. 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.
It’s not the first time Nastase has made offensive public comments about Williams. Earlier this month he accused Williams of doping based entirely on her physique. He also courted controversy this week by intimidating Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong – allegedly putting his arm around the married player and asking for her room number.
Here’s Nastase asking Keothavong for her room number. You’ll have to lip read but it’s not difficult pic.twitter.com/uft5uzoblK
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) April 21, 2017
Nastase won the US Open in 1972 and French Open in 1973, as well as finishing runner-up at Wimbledon in both 1972 and 1976. We’ll keep you posted on how this one turns out.
Icon or not, Ilie Nastase’s unsolicited and ignorant comment about Serena’s pregnancy is deplorable. @ITF_Tennis take action.
— MrEnterta1nment (@MrEnterta1nment) April 21, 2017
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
Photo: Getty Images.
