SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MELBOURNE, Australia – US broadcaster ESPN was plunged into a race row after one of its commentators compared tennis player Venus Williams to a “gorilla”, prompting a flood of criticism online.
Commentator Doug Adler made the remark during the American’s match against Stefanie Voegele at the Australian Open on Wednesday, when she won 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round.
“She misses a first serve and Venus is all over her,” said Adler, a 58-year-old former player. “You see Venus move in and put the gorilla effect on. Charging.”
"She puts the Gorilla effect on. Charging". Just wtf. This is not cool @ESPNTennis @espn pic.twitter.com/L46Bwf6sEh
— Shanna (@PinaCocoblog) January 18, 2017
Viewers were quick to register their distaste on social media, while tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg called it “appalling stuff”.
“Horrifying that the Williams sisters remained subjected to it still in 2017,” he tweeted.
There was no immediate comment from ESPN.
Venus Williams and her sister Serena, who have 29 Grand Slam titles between them, have experienced negative comment in the past.
In 2014, Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev was forced to apologize after he taunted them as the “Williams brothers”. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.