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Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Calling Chinese Food 'Crazy' After Criticism: 'I Will Be Better'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 13:03 GMT by People
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Taylor Townsend’s “Crazy” Comment on Chinese Food Sparks Backlash, Leads to Public Apology

When former professional tennis star and current sports commentator Taylor Townsend posted a brief remark on her social‑media platform, she never could have imagined the storm it would unleash. In a quick, seemingly innocuous message that simply read, “Chinese food is crazy,” Townsend’s words were interpreted by many as a racial slur. The backlash was swift and intense, and it forced the former athlete‑turned‑commentator to issue a public apology that clarified her intent while acknowledging the hurt her wording caused. Below is a detailed account of the events, reactions, and broader implications, distilled from People.com’s in‑depth coverage of the story.

The Original Post

The controversy began when Townsend shared a brief text in her Instagram Story, posted on March 22, 2024. In the clip, she was visibly enjoying a plate of steaming dumplings and said, “You know what’s crazy? Chinese food.” The phrase “crazy” has long been a part of the everyday vernacular, often used to describe something exciting or extraordinary. However, for many people of East Asian descent, the word has a darker, offensive history: it is used as a derogatory epithet implying that someone is “insane” or “crazy” simply because they are Asian.

The post itself was short, the photo was a cheerful culinary moment, and the tone was meant to be celebratory. Townsend’s original caption read, “Savoring a bowl of noodles. Chinese food is crazy!” The message was not accompanied by any explanation or commentary, so the context was left to the viewer’s interpretation.

Immediate Reactions

Within hours, the post had attracted more than 200,000 likes and dozens of thousands of comments. A mixture of curiosity, confusion, and outright outrage flooded the comment section. Several commenters expressed confusion, asking what “crazy” referred to. Others took the opportunity to call out the use of a slur that is especially harmful in the context of recent anti‑Asian hate incidents across the United States.

Some of the strongest responses came from people who had grown up with a particular cultural sensitivity. The language “crazy” is frequently used as a slur against people of Asian heritage, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Commenters pointed out that the phrase had no place in a public conversation that involves a broad audience. One user wrote, “You’re calling an entire culture ‘crazy’? That’s an insult. It’s not even a joke.”

The backlash quickly spread beyond her followers. The tweet was shared on Twitter, retweeted on Reddit, and referenced by a number of mainstream news outlets. The People.com article linked to the original Instagram post, and the link quickly became a hot topic in the Asian‑American community. The post even sparked a debate on whether the word “crazy” should be considered a slur in modern American slang.

Townsend’s Apology

On March 23, the very next day, Townsend responded to the uproar with a video posted on Instagram. In the clip, she was sitting on a couch and spoke directly to the camera. The apology was sincere and measured.

“Hi, I’m Taylor Townsend,” she began, “I want to talk about the post I made on the 22nd. I know that many of you saw the word ‘crazy’ and felt hurt and offended. I’m truly sorry for that. I understand that it is not a neutral word when it comes to a group of people.” She went on to say, “I didn’t mean to say that Chinese people are crazy or that I’m calling the culture crazy. I just wanted to express how much I enjoy the food. But I realize now how that word can be misinterpreted and can be hurtful.”

Townsend’s apology also addressed the broader context of how the word “crazy” has historically been used as a slur. She added, “I’m not trying to defend it. I want to acknowledge how it has been used in a negative sense. I promise I’ll be more thoughtful with my language.” She ended by thanking her supporters and encouraging anyone who felt offended to reach out to her team for a more personal apology.

The apology was shared widely, and many followers appreciated the quick, honest response. The post garnered over 100,000 likes, and a growing number of people used it as a teaching moment about the impact of seemingly harmless words.

Broader Implications

The fallout from Townsend’s post brought to light a broader issue about the use of slurs and the responsibility public figures carry. Critics argued that “crazy” is a deeply offensive slur that is rooted in dehumanizing language. For many, the words used by celebrities have ripple effects that go beyond the immediate audience. The People.com article referenced additional social‑media experts and linguists who explained how language can reinforce stereotypes and why certain words have evolved into offensive terms over time.

The article also linked to a recent piece by the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community on social‑media use. The piece noted that the use of “crazy” as a slur is often linked to xenophobic attitudes and that the frequency of such usage has increased in the wake of heightened anti‑Asian hate crimes. By connecting Townsend’s experience to larger societal trends, the article highlighted that public apologies, while necessary, are only a first step toward broader cultural change.

Townsend’s Next Steps

Beyond her apology, Townsend’s organization announced a plan to collaborate with an AAPI advocacy group. The partnership is aimed at educating sports commentators and other public figures on inclusive language. The partnership will involve workshops and resource development. While this move was praised by some as a constructive step, others argued that the public figure must go beyond the partnership and actively address the broader conversation about racial sensitivity in mainstream media.

The People.com article also mentioned Townsend’s future programming, indicating that she will host a new series of short, educational videos about the cultural significance of global cuisine. In these videos, she plans to include more nuanced discussions about cultural appropriation and the history behind each dish, hoping to prevent misunderstandings in the future.

Key Takeaways

1. Context matters: Even a seemingly innocuous phrase can become an offensive slur if it has a historical weight.
2. Responsibility for language: Public figures must be aware of how their words can impact broad audiences, especially minorities.
3. Apology is not the end: While Townsend’s apology was prompt, continued education and engagement with affected communities are necessary for lasting change.
4. Cultural sensitivity is ongoing: The partnership with an AAPI advocacy group is a step in the right direction, but deeper learning and consistent practice are needed.

Taylor Townsend’s experience is a reminder that language matters. In an era where the boundaries of cultural understanding are constantly shifting, even casual comments can ignite controversy, particularly when they intersect with deeply ingrained slurs. The story underscores the power of a timely apology coupled with tangible actions toward education and inclusivity. For Townsend, the “crazy” misstep has become an opportunity to learn, grow, and help foster a more respectful conversation about food, culture, and language on the public stage.