Serena Williams at centre of new racism storm

Stunning allegations have been levelled at luxury shoe company Gianvito Rossi over their treatment of tennis superstar Serena Williams.

According to The New York Post, Whitney Wilburn, a former employee of Gianvito Rossi, has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the company, and used their treatment of Williams as an example.

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The suit reportedly alleges Wilburn's boss Grace Mazzilli was "hostile to Wilburn based upon her race and age" and Wilburns's "experience with Mazzilli left no doubt about Mazzilli's racial animosity toward African-Americans."

"For instance, when the world famous athlete Serena Williams, via her staff, asked for a discount on her extensive purchases, Gianvito managers responded with racially disparaging comments about Ms. Williams which made it clear that the company did not want African-American women to wear its shoes," the suit says.

Serena with her Australian Open trophy in January. Image: Getty

The court papers allege managers "referred to Ms. Williams as 'disgusting' and refused to offer any discount."

"When later pressured to do so by a contact at Vogue magazine, they offered only a fraction of the discount that white celebrities typically receive," the suit says.

According to The New York Post, Mazzilli was unavailable for comment because she's travelling in Italy.

Last month Williams was racially vilified by Romanian Fed Cup captain Ilie Nastase after he speculated about the skin colour of her unborn baby.

Nastase was overheard at a press conference saying about Williams' unborn baby, "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?"

Writing on Instagram, Williams said: "I disappoints me to know we live in a society which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers."

"I have said it once and I'll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go.

"Yes, we have broken down so many barriers - however there are a plethora more to go.

"This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what's right.

"I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you. Why are you beset with gloom?

"You may shoot me with your words... you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air, I rise.

"I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support."

with AAP