Paula Badosa launches ‘bullying’ rant after making fresh joke over ‘racist’ photo

Paula Badosa went on a lengthy rant about “bullying” after cracking a fresh joke over her recent racism storm.

The world No. 14 received backlash after one of her team members shared a photo of the Spaniard holding back her eyes with chopsticks. She quickly apologised and said: “Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism.”

Badosa landed herself in more hot water on Tuesday when she poked fun at the controversy and was quick to defend herself against those calling her out, claiming they were “offending and bullying people on social media”.

Badosa’s technical coach, Pol Toledo Bague, marked the end of the 2024 tennis season with an Instagram post dedicated to his charge. The former Spanish player shared a photo of the world No. 14 soaking in the applause on court and expressed his gratitude to Badosa and the rest of the team.

Bague has been forced to limit the comment access on his Instagram since he shared the controversial snap of Badosa among a photo dump from their time at the China Open in Beijing. And the 26-year-old made fun of the recent incident as she shared his latest post to her story.

“Thank you for not posting a picture that gets me in trouble this time,” she wrote alongside an eyeroll emoji and some laughing faces. Fans quickly picked up on her remark and Badosa deleted the story, taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to hit back.

“Do you know me to say all this kind of things?” the Spaniard replied to two users who claimed it was inappropriate to joke about the initial picture.

“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.

“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.”

Badosa reiterated how sorry she was for the chopstick photo as she told her critics to “move on”. The four-time title winner continued: “The story was finish when I came out and apologize and took the entire responsibility of it. Move on. Jesus.

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

“But I still don’t understand what is your point. You can constantly offend and bully people on social media and that’s okay? This needs to STOP. Bye.”

The fan who initially pulled Badosa up on her latest Instagram story retaliated, writing: “Dear Paula, it’s not about you being a positive person but you joking about racism. I know you apologised but then you acted like a victim. There was no need to bring this history back but that’s what you did. You wanted as to move on but you’re keep joking about it.”

But the world No. 14 wasn’t having it. “Dear Dawid, I’m not joking about anything. I’m teasing my coach don’t twist things. Do you see the difference? And the way you are texting me now is completely different on how you judge me and said how I was as a person in the beginning… Please just focus on being a fan and leave the rest alone. That’s what you should do,” she replied.

Badosa has played just one tournament since copping heat for the chopstick photo. She pulled out of Wuhan but entered the Ningbo Open, reaching the semi-final and retiring. The Spaniard then withdrew from this week’s Tokyo Open, ending her season.