Martina Navratilova has never restricted her voice because of others’ opinions. She has always been honest and does not care even if the whole world decides to stand against her if she feels that she has taken the stand for good. But this has brought the wrath of many people on her, which she does not mind, however, also remembers.

In an old interview, she talked about the backlash she faced when she gave her statement on the former basketball professional player when he tested positive for HIV.

Martina Navratilova faced backlash for making a statement on Magic Johnson testing positive for HIV

Martina Navratilova had a starkly different point of view regarding him testing positive for HIV. When the whole world was sympathizing with the basketball player, Navratilova took the opposite take. She faced a lot of backlash for her point of view which she remembered in an old interview. She said, “Everybody was “Oh, poor Magic.” He slept with at least a thousand women by his own admission.”

However, the player acknowledged her good relations with the player. She said, “I actually met Magic, I love him, I think he is an amazing person and, of course, basketball player.” Navratilova clarified her point of view. She said, “But what I said then, was that if this was a woman, they would be calling her a w***e.”

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She did not like the bias the crowd had toward him. She said, “If it was a w0man they would say, ‘She had it coming’.” However, being the outspoken and bold human being as ever, she said, “I said that, and I caught a lot of s**t for that. I am like, this is the truth! It was such a double standard.”

The bold and audacious Navratilova

Martina Navratilova was just 18 years old when she deflected from her country and sought asylum in the USA. Even after that, she remained stateless for many years.

She learned to be on her own and take a stand for herself. The player won 59 grand slam titles, out of which 18 grand slam titles were in the singles category.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Seems to Get Injured a Lot’ – Martina Navratilova Once Used Serena Williams’ Example to Talk About the ‘Fragmented’ Nature of Women’s Tennis. 

However, she did not settle just for that glory. She is also a huge proponent of animal and human rights and highlights gender issues as well. The player is the living epitome of resilience and carries vibrant energy with her.