Jane Campion Apologizes for ‘Thoughtless’ Critics’ Choice Awards Comment About Serena and Venus Williams: They’ve ‘Opened Doors’
usmagazine.comA poor choice of words? Jane Campion is speaking out after her 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards comment about Serena Williams and Venus Williams drew backlash.The 67-year-old filmmaker took home the Best Director trophy for The Power of the Dog on Sunday, March 13, and she mentioned the tennis superstars while accepting the honor.
Venus, 41, and Serena, 40, attended the awards show in support of King Richard, the film based on their father’s life.“Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels,” Campion said on stage. “However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to.”One day later, the New Zealand native issued a statement addressing the controversy. “I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved.
I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes,” Campion noted on Monday, March 14, per Variety. “The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world.”The screenwriter continued: “The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women.
I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and completely celebrate you.”The athletes didn’t publicly comment on Campion’s remark.
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