"Where was the police? Nowhere to be found" - Martina Navratilova reacts to protestors' violence against American writer during WDI event in Portland

Martina Navratilova has called out the Portland police for their inaction during incidents of violence against multiple women at the Women’s Declaration International (WDI) USA event.

On Sunday, November 19, the WDI was scheduled to hold an event called 'Protecting Women and Children' at the Multnomah County Library in the Hollywood Neighborhood. The goal of the event was "to give talks about how to protect women and children from the threats we face," according to the organization's website.

However, the library was vandalized in protest the night before the event. As a result, the organizers decided to stage their gathering at an intersection a few blocks away from the library, carrying a banner that read 'Woman = Adult Human Female.' Midway through the opening speech, protestors brandishing pepper spray attacked the women present.

American writer Lierre Keith, who attended the event, later took to social media and disclosed that she, along with three other attendees, had to be rushed to the hospital due to the violence from the "mob of 'antifa' men."

"Four of us at the ER right now. We are in good spirits and remain undefeated. A mob of "antifa" men attacked us, pepper sprayed us in the eyes, punched us, kicked us, and stole our phones. We were attempting to have an event about male violence," she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

She also shared pictures of her bruises and revealed that she had a lump on the back of her head as a result of the violent protests.

"A selection of my bruises from yesterday. I also have a lump on the back of my skull from being punched. In case anyone still had any questions, this is violence against women," she posted.

In response to Keith's experience, Martina Navratilova criticized the police for failing to protect the women at the event.

"And where was the police??? Nowhere to be found...," Martina Navratilova commented.

Martina Navratilova: "I would be surprised if Coco Gauff doesn’t win another major, and Wimbledon makes the most sense"

Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova recently shared her predictions for the 2024 season. The 18-time Grand Slam champion disclosed that she expected Coco Gauff to win her second Major title next season, most likely at the Wimbledon Championships.

"I would be surprised if she doesn’t win another major this year, and Wimbledon makes the most sense. I think it’s on grass because she’s better at the net than any of them and moves forward so well. That and her improved drop shot," Martina Navratilova said in an interview with the WTA.

Navratilova further contended that the American's chances of triumphing at SW19 were bolstered by Iga Swiatek's admission that grass was her most challenging surface.

"I think you’ll see that across the board next year, the [Carlos] Alcaraz influence on the sport. For me, Coco Gauff should be the favorite on grass. Particularly since by her own admission, it’s Iga’s most challenging surface," she added.

Gauff had a disappointing outing at this year's edition of the Wimbledon Championships, suffering a shock defeat to Sofia Kenin in the first round.