Naomi Osaka Responds To Backlash Over 'Black Party' at French Open
Naomi Osaka is defending the dinner party she helped host for Black men and women in the tennis world ahead of the 2026 French Open.
The French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, is underway from Roland Garros. Ahead of the iconic tennis tournament, Osaka hosted some of the sport's top Black tennis players, for a dinner celebrating their role in the largely white sport and its history.
The event, called the "Black Party (Roland Garros ‘RG' Edition)," was hosted by Osaka and two-time Grand Slam doubles winner Taylor Townsend. Guests at the dinner included Coco Gauff, the reigning French Open women's champion, and French player Gaël Monfils.
"It's important for us to come together because this sport is naturally very isolating and selfish. I feel like it's important to break that mold, support each other outside of the sport and away from the courts, and build genuine friendships that last beyond the court," Townsend said.
Osaka, meanwhile, addressed the backlash in a lengthy social media post.
Osaka responds to the critical comments about her Black party
Osaka defended the decision.
"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?! First of all I do love everyone for who they are no matter their race + ethnicity, (I'm literally half Japanese lol). I can only speak from my experiences in my own life though, 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.
"Secondly I feel like it's important to note that there have been all white dinners/parties. I don't know how else to tell you this, I literally seen them all the time and never had an issue with it at all. To the people who ask this question I want to ask you this question too, ‘What is it about POC getting together that unsettles you so much?'
"I want to end this by saying I grew up watching my dad get discriminated against, having the cops called on him multiple times at the tennis court. There are multiple things I will apologize for in my life but celebrating being black and appreciating who we are will never be something I would consider saying sorry for. Thanks.
"Actually I lied, I am sorry. I'm sorry for the people who cannot comprehend in their brains that this is not about exclusion, this is a celebration about how far we have come 🖤"
The dinner was hosted at the SoHo House in Paris.
The 2026 French Open continues on TNT on Tuesday.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:37 AM.