Naomi Osaka slams critics of her swimsuit photos: 'It's creeping me out'
Japanese two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka tweeted on July 26 that she’s “creeped out” by critics and fans who are commenting on social media photos where Osaka is in a bathing suit.
Osaka has millions of followers and has become one of the most marketable names in women’s tennis — netting an estimated $37 million last year, setting a record for female athletes.
But accolades aside, it seems that people can’t accept Osaka as a 22-year-old who wears a bathing suit to a pool.
READ MORE: This best-selling seat cushion worked absolute wonders for my back pain
I just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting @ me to maintain my “innocent image” and “don’t try to be someone your not”. You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear?
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 26, 2020
The commentary is sexist for a number of reasons, especially considering male tennis players take their shirts off during matches all the time.
The tirade of comments appears to have come after the U.S. and Australian Open winner posted a series of photos of herself in a bikini on Twitter and Instagram.
Should I post version 2? pic.twitter.com/HXBUb4iutD
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 9, 2020
But the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t matter what this tennis wunderkind posts, people are going to find a way to sexualize her. In another tweet where Osaka hits a tennis ball through a basketball hoop, several replies say things like, “can I shoot my shot?” or “babe… Check your DM” or “wow you are seriously in shape…”
Need to cleanse your palate after reading about these haters? Here are body acceptance influencers you should be following on TikTok.
More from In The Know:
Unpacking the racist roots of fat phobia and diet culture
Shop our favorite beauty products from In The Know Beauty on TikTok
Amazon’s highest-rated Fire tablet is on sale for just $35
Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay In The Know
The post Naomi Osaka slams critics of her swimsuit photos appeared first on In The Know.