Conservative commentator Candace Owens initially told Naomi Osaka to “quit tennis,” before later backtracking on her comments when the tennis star revealed the extent of her mental health struggles.
On Monday afternoon, Osaka, 23, formerly ranked No. 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association, announced that she was withdrawing from the French Open a day after she was fined $15,000 by the tournament organizers for refusing to take part in press conferences.
Last Wednesday, Osaka announced that she would not take part in media interviews due to their effect on her mental health, and after pulling out of the event on Monday, she elaborated on her struggles explaining that she has suffered from “bouts of depression” since 2018.
“I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.
“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly,” Osaka wrote in a lengthy message on Monday.
Prior to Osaka’s announcement, Owens criticized the tennis star, quote tweeting a post from the 23-year-old, where she wrote that “anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable.”
Owens replied: “She’s starting to get soooooo annoying. Just quit tennis and become a full time activist. You make millions and are now complaining (again) because you think you’re a special snowflake that shouldn’t have to do press conferences because they are a form of ‘mental abuse’.”
She’s starting to get soooooo annoying.
Just quit tennis and become a full time activist.
You make millions and are now complaining (again) because you think you’re a special snowflake that shouldn’t have to do press conferences because they are a form of “mental abuse”. https://t.co/6DuxXrxFeG
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 31, 2021
However, just a few hours later, when Osaka had revealed her struggles with depression, Owens changed her stance and threw her support behind the tennis star, who announced that she will now take some time away from the court.
“Naomi Osaka made the right decision. Mental illness is serious and it is always an act of courage to step away to deal with personal issues. Emphasis on the word personal.
“It’s becoming too fashionable for one person’s experience to transform into a demand for everybody else…” Owens wrote.
Naomi Osaka made the right decision. Mental illness is serious and it is always an act of courage to step away to deal with personal issues. Emphasis on the word personal.
It’s becoming too fashionable for one person’s experience to transform into a demand for everybody else…
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 31, 2021
She then added, “I genuinely wish Naomi well,” before once again emphasizing that “personal struggles are not universal, nor should they be.”
Osaka received support from several sports stars and politicians following her announcement on Monday, with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez writing: “Proud of you”.
Former world No. 1 Billie Jean King also backed Osaka, writing: “It’s incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression.
“Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs. We wish her well.”
Owens deserves a bullet.