Serena Williams accused Ilie Nastase of racially abusing her and her unborn child as she shared a lengthy message to Instagram on Monday expressing her disappointment over Nastase’s offensive remarks.
Nastase was overheard on Friday at a press conference for the Fed Cup in Romania saying about the tennis superstar’s unborn child, “Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?”
The International Tennis Federation will investigate the incident, which Williams said she fully supports.
“It disappoints me to know we live in a society in which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers,” Williams wrote.
“I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go. Yes, we have broken down so many barriers – however there are a plethora more to go.”
“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 continued.
“I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support,” she added.
According to E! News, Nastase was provisionally suspended from the Fed Cup for an expletive-filled outburst aimed at the British team and a referee during a match.
Meanwhile, the current world’s No. 1 enjoyed her vacation to Mexico with Ohanian over the weekend and shared an emotional note to their little bundle of joy on the way.
“My Dearest Baby, You gave me the strength I didn’t know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can’t wait to meet you,” she wrote in part.