French Open player Maxime Hamou has been banned for an “appalling behavior” after he tried to steal kisses from a charming female reporter named Maly Thomas.
The 21-year-old reportedly held her around the neck and shoulders shortly after losing to Pablo Cuevas at the first round stage.
The French tennis federation has condemned Hamou’s behavior after the defeat, saying their player’s accreditation has been revoked as punishment for his “reprehensible act.”
Image: Maxime Hamou
“Roland-Garros tournament organisers took the decision to revoke Maxime Hamou’s accreditation following his inappropriate behaviour towards a female journalist yesterday, Monday 29 May,” the statement read, according to a report from The Independent.
FFT issued a statement which addressed the controversial behavior but assured that its disputes commission will investigate the case “for improper conduct.”
“The FFT President has asked the disputes committee to investigate for improper conduct,” the statement adds.
The Eurosport TV journalist was conducting a live interview at Roland Garros when Hamou slipped off his moral boundaries.
Hamou has tendered an apology on Instagram for his shortcomings, saying: “I want to offer my deepest apologies to Maly Thomas if she felt hurt or shocked by my attitude during her interview.
“I have just experienced a wonderful week here in Roland Garros, living my most beautiful emotions as a tennis player, and I let my overflow of enthusiasm express myself awkwardly towards Maly.
“I am available to apolgize personally if she wants. I am still learning from my mistakes every day to become a better tennis player and a better person.”
One of those who criticized Hamou on social media for his actions, wrote: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! that’s what you get for physically harassing a woman, you dumb cunt 😂 way to ruin your career so early on!
