Serena Williams issues powerful response to Ilie Nastase's racist comments about her unborn child

Falling pregnant with her fiance’s baby should have been the most exciting and happiest time of tennis champ Serena Williams’ life.

However, her exciting baby news was dampened when former tennis pro Ilie Nastase made “racist” comments about her unborn child, asking whether the baby would be “chocolate with milk” in reference to Serena and Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian’s interracial relationship.

Deciding that she can’t let such negative comments just pass her by, Serena took to her Instagram page last night to share a powerful response to the remark, admitting that she was “disappointed” to live in a world where such comments were still made.

The 35-year-old beauty wrote: “It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments.

“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.”

The star went on to quote a passage from her favourite poem, Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’, adding: “I am not afraid like you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you?

“Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words… You may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like the air, I rise.”

She also confirmed that she will be fully supporting the International Tennis Federation in their investigation into Nastase’s conduct, thanking them for their help.

The statement comes after Serena penned a touching open letter to her unborn child, admitting that being pregnant has taught her “the true meaning of serenity and peace”.

The star got engaged to Alexis back in December and the pair’s baby is due in Autumn.

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