Milorad Dodik's recorded racial slur about Novak Djokovic's family ignited backlash and prompted an apology.
A recent recording has surfaced featuring Milorad Dodik, President of Bosnia's Republika Srpska (RS) entity, making a racial slur while referring to Novak Djokovic and his family, as per N1. The incident took place before Dodik's guest appearance on Serbia's state TV (RTS).
The video, published by RS MP Nebojca Vukanovic, shows Dodik in conversation with journalist Gradimir Papic, where he uses offensive language to describe the Djokovic family's business dealings.
It comes after the 2023 Srpska Open which was held in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ATP 250 tournament which was organized by Djokovic's family and also attended by Novak Djokovic himself, who lost in the quarterfinals to Dusan Lajovic.
In the recording, Dodik refers to the Djokovics as "tight as gipsies," a regional racial slur implying miserliness. This insensitive comment has sparked outrage and demands for an apology from the RS President. In response, Dodik expressed regret and disappointment in the unprofessional conduct of RTS, stating that he had a sleepless night following the incident.
"I am sorry that I experienced disappointment in RTS on this occasion. I will continue to respect and appreciate the success of the one and only Novak Djokovic and to respect and appreciate his family as before. We will finalize all arrangements regarding the ‘Srpska Open’ tournament. I am glad that I got to know the managerial and leadership skills of Djordje Djokovic [Novak’s brother] and I remain very grateful for the fact that this year’s tournament was held in Banja Luka."
"I apologize if the speculative display on social networks hurt members of the Djokovic family. It hurt me, as well. I’d like to thank RTS for my sleepless night. I can’t believe they did this in such a heinous way. As a sincere admirer of Novak Djokovic both as a tennis player and as a man, I wish him and his family all the luck. Success in everything to Srdjan [Novak’s father] and Djordje."
0 Comments