Tennis superstar Coco Gauff is under fire after a recent fashion choice at a charity gala sparked accusations of cultural appropriation, igniting a heated social media debate that has quickly gone global.
The 21-year-old U.S. Open champion appeared at the “Champions for Change” Gala in New York City wearing a bold, high-fashion ensemble inspired by traditional East Asian attire, including a modernized cheongsam-style dress paired with chopstick hair accessories and silk embroidery.
While praised by some for her stylistic risks, others weren’t as impressed. Within hours, the hashtag #CocoCancelParty began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with critics accusing her of using cultural symbols for “aesthetic purposes without understanding their meaning.”
> “This isn’t appreciation—it’s a costume,” one user posted. “She should know better.”
> “Coco Gauff has been a voice for equality and justice. That’s why this hurts—it feels hypocritical,” said a commenter on Instagram.
💥 Mixed Reactions Online
The backlash was swift, but so was the defense. Fans and public figures came to her support, arguing that the fashion choice was a form of cultural appreciation, not appropriation.
> “She collaborated with an Asian designer, honored the culture, and looked amazing. What’s the problem?” tweeted fashion journalist Aria Nguyen.
Others pointed out that double standards are often applied to Black women in the spotlight, especially when they explore cross-cultural influences in fashion and art.
> “We can’t call for diversity and global understanding, then shame people for engaging with other cultures respectfully,” said a popular tennis blogger.
🎙️ Gauff Responds
Gauff responded the next morning with a statement on her Instagram story:
> “My outfit was created in collaboration with an Asian-American designer who educated me on the cultural elements we incorporated. I meant no disrespect and truly value learning from different cultures. If I caused harm, I’m sorry—that was never my intention.”
While the apology cooled some of the outrage, the debate has opened up larger conversations around cultural boundaries, celebrity responsibility, and authenticity in the age of social media scrutiny.
📣 What’s Next?
As Gauff prepares for her next WTA match in Rome, it’s clear that she’ll be playing under more than just athletic pressure—she’s once again in the middle of a cultural storm.
