While Venus and Serena Williams were preparing to play tennis over in Russia, the Tennis Federation President, Shamil Tarpischev, made a comment that was very rude to the sisters. Tarpischev reffered to both Serena and Venus as the “William Brothers”. The sisters both felt insulted by this comment and he was punished for it. He was fined, suspended, and made a public apology. Statements were released on both ends.
Serena Said:
I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time. I thought they were, in a way, bullying. I just wasn’t very happy with his comments. I think a lot of people weren’t happy as well.
Once again, Tarpischev did try to apologize by saying his comment was not meant to be as foul as english speakers make it out to be.
I am sorry that the joke which was translated into English out of its context of a comedy show drew so much attention. I don’t think this situation is worth all the hoopla because those words were said without any malice.
SOURCE: http://necolebitchie.com/2014/10/russian-tennis-official-suspended-after-referring-to-serena-venus-as-the-williams-brothers/
