Naomi Osaka sets record straight on hosting French Open 'Black Party' after stinging backlash

Naomi Osaka has defended her decision to host a pre-French Open dinner titled the “Black Party” after the event sparked debate online following social media criticism.The former world No 1 organised the gathering ahead of Roland Garros with several prominent tennis stars in attendance, including Coco Gauff, Gael Monfils, Taylor Townsend, Christopher Eubanks and Asia Muhammad.Osaka later shared photographs from the evening on social media and described the event as a special experience alongside fellow players.“The black party (RG edition),” Osaka wrote online. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “Side note: my first time ever co-hosting a dinner/party and let me tell you, no better company to share time with.”However, the post quickly prompted mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning the nature of the event and accusing the four-time Grand Slam champion of being exclusionary.Osaka subsequently responded publicly and explained the reasons behind hosting the dinner, stressing it was intended as a celebration of representation and shared experiences within tennis.“Growing up, there weren’t a lot of tennis players I could look up to that looked like me,” Osaka wrote.“Being a minority in a sport like tennis is very isolating.”The Japanese star, who has frequently spoken about identity and representation throughout her career, explained that players from underrepresented backgrounds often naturally form close bonds within the sport.“There’s a fellowship, a camaraderie that doesn’t need words to describe,” she continued.“You just feel at peace knowing that there’s another person who has experienced similar things to you and you feel less alone.”LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Rafael Nadal shows off disfigured foot for the first time after years of tennis took a tollLuke Littler receives warning about his conduct ahead of Premier League Finals NightJamie Vardy to leave Italy with EFL club eager to secure summer transferOsaka also insisted the dinner was never intended to exclude others and instead reflected her appreciation for seeing greater diversity within elite tennis.“There’s a saying, ‘when you win I feel like I win too’,” she added.“I also feel like seeing any of us exist in this space that is so clearly not for us is a win in itself.”She continued: “Our presence is a present and I’m so grateful for the gift of my peers.“I want to thank them for existing and thank them for inspiring.”The 27-year-old later addressed the reaction again during her French Open press conference after further debate emerged online.“You know I'm seeing a little bit of, ‘Why can't you love everyone for all skin tones?’ and ‘what if someone had an all white party?!’” Osaka said.“First of all I do love everyone for who they are no matter their race + ethnicity.“I'm literally half Japanese lol.”Osaka reiterated that her comments and the dinner itself were based on her own personal experiences growing up in professional tennis.“I can only speak from my experiences in my own life though,” she explained.“Growing up as a tennis player I didn't see many people that looked like ME and I feel like it's important to celebrate them.”The discussion came as Osaka also enjoyed a positive start on court at Roland Garros.The former US Open and Australian Open champion progressed to the second round on Tuesday after defeating Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 in Paris. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter