A Japanese comedy duo has issued an apology after commenting on tennis player Naomi Osaka’s skin color during a live event.
According to ESPN, the female comedian duo known as A Masso made the comment during an event on Sunday, the same day Osaka won the Pan Pacific Trophy in Tokyo.
The women, Kano and Murkami, referenced Osaka’s skin tone by stating the tennis champion “needed some bleach” since she was “too sunburned.”
Although this is not the first time Osaka’s Japanese-Haitian heritage has been the subject of controversy, she did not address the duo’s comments.
The duo’s management company, Watanabe Entertainment Co Ltd. released the women’s’ apology on their website without referring to Osaka by name.
“Though we should have thought about it, we made remarks that hurt many people, something we will never do again,”
“We sincerely apologise for making the specific person feel uncomfortable, as well as for everyone else connected to the event. We also sincerely apologise for causing trouble.”
The management company also issued its own apology for their clients’ behavior and said their statements were ignorant.
“[We] apologize for remarks inconsiderate of diversity in an era where diversity is respected.”
The company added that the comediennes have been warned about their behavior and will take steps to understand diversity.
