These People Are Killing Frogs": Townsend Missteps in Shenzhen and Sparks Outrage Online

Adored in New York, criticized in China: Taylor Townsend saw her popularity waver after an Instagram story viewed by several million internet users.

Hailed as a heroine at the US Open after her singles run (round of 16) and in response to comments from Jelena Ostapenko who had called her out ('lack of education'), Taylor Townsend found herself at the center of controversy once again.

But this time, she had to apologize, having caused an uproar on social media.

Present in Shenzhen to compete in the Davis Cup Final 8 with the United States, the world No. 1 in doubles filmed the hotel buffet on Instagram and criticized the food offered, being shocked by certain dishes:

"Honestly, I'm shocked by what I saw at the dinner buffet. These people are literally killing frogs, bullfrogs. Aren't they poisoned? Aren't those the ones that give warts, boils, and all that?

And the fact that they are stewed with chili peppers, peppers, onions... You've made it a dish. In summary, I'd give a good 2 out of 10, because it's completely crazy."

The story, which quickly went viral, reached several million views on the Chinese social network Weibo. Facing the criticism, the American deleted the video in question, before apologizing in an attempt to quell the controversy:

"I wanted to apologize from the bottom of my heart. I understand that as a professional athlete, I'm fortunate to be able to travel the world and discover different cultures, which is one of the things I love most about my profession.

The things I said do not reflect reality, and I truly wanted to apologize. I will strive to improve, and I'm very grateful to represent my country.