Dayana Yastremska apologized for images she posted on social media that some considered blackface.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian removed the controversial images from her social media after the ensuing backlash, but disputes claims she used blackface to make a point about equality.
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Yastremska posted a series of photos with half her body sporting dark make-up with the caption "equality."
Critics say Yastremska undermined her equality message by donning the dark make-up, which some called blackface.
The world No. 25 disputes those claims saying her sole intention was to "spread a message of equality.
Yastremska says her intended message of unity "has been misunderstood" and that critics have "corrupted" that message.
“Earlier today I posted pictures that I thought would spread a message of equality,” Yastremska posted. “It clearly did not and has been misunderstood. “I have been warned about the negative impact but I did not — and still don’t — consider it as blackface.
“I did not intend to caricature but to share my feelings about the current situation: we should all be treated as equal. “I am so disappointed that my message has been corrupted: these pictures divided people when they were meant to unite. That’s why I deleted them.
“I sincerely apologise to all the people I have offended. I truly had only good intentions.”
Photo credit: Toyota Thailand Open Facebook