Tennis star Serena Williams has lambasted comments made about her unborn child allegedly by former world number one Ilie Nastase, labelling his remarks 'racist'.
Ilie made headlines after it was widely reported that he allegedly responded to Serena's pregnancy announcement by saying: "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?"
According to numerous international reports an investigation into his comments has apparently been launched by the International Tennis Federation
Serena took to Instagram on Monday to slam Ilie's alleged comments and applauded the International Tennis Federation's decision.
"It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers," Serena wrote.
She said that the hate would not stop her from standing up for what she felt was right.
"This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what's right," she declared.
Serena then addressed Ilie head on, telling him that she was "no coward" and would rise above the hate.
"I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward," she wrote, before quoting the words of Maya Angelou.
"Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words… you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like the air, I rise."
According to numerous international reports an investigation into his comments has apparently been launched by the International Tennis Federation
Serena took to Instagram on Monday to slam Ilie's alleged comments and applauded the International Tennis Federation's decision.
"It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers," Serena wrote.
She said that the hate would not stop her from standing up for what she felt was right.
"This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what's right," she declared.
Serena then addressed Ilie head on, telling him that she was "no coward" and would rise above the hate.
"I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward," she wrote, before quoting the words of Maya Angelou.
"Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words… you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like the air, I rise."
