Venus & Serena Williams – Jane Campion Apologizes To Tennis Stars For Comments Made At Critics Choice Awards: ‘I Did Not Intend to Devalue’

March 14, 2022 by Monique Nicole in Film with 0 Comments

Venus & Serena Williams – Jane Campion Apologizes To Tennis Stars For Comments Made At Critics Choice Awards: ‘I Did Not Intend to Devalue’

The Power of the Dog director, Jane Campion is receiving major backlash for remarks made at this years Critic Choice Awards!

While accepting the award for best director, the 57-year-old filmmaker pointed out other women who have broken down barriers and have found success in a male-dominated industry–including Venus and Serena Williams. In her speech, she also made a joke about the Williams sisters not having to compete with men the same way she has had to.

“What an honor to be in the room with you… I’d also just like to give my love out to my fellow — the guys. And Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys, like I have to.”

Venus Williams

Serena Williams

In the audience, Serena, 40, was seen laughing while clapping for Campion, while Venus, 41, gave a smirk but seemingly looked confused.

Here's the clip of Jane Campion's speech#CriticsChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/pucAsmE2JF

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 14, 2022

Her comments received major backlash online! Several social media users found her remarks problematic claiming Campion downplayed the barriers the sisters had to overcome to be successful in a male-dominated field.

On Monday (Mar.14) Jane Campion released a statement apologizing for her “thoughtless” comment.

“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.. 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.”

She 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.”

Jane Campion is the first woman to have been nominated for Best Director at the Oscars more than once. She earned a nomination for 1993’s The Piano, and she won Best Original Screenplay that year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACtgJaUlwl0

What are your thoughts on Campions remarks and her apology? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source: 1, 2]