Hot topics close

Jane Campion apologizes to Williams sisters for ‘thoughtless comment’

Jane Campion apologizes to Williams sisters for thoughtless comment
The award-winning director, in an acceptance speech, said Serena and Venus did not ‘play against the guys like I have to’
Jane Campion apologizes to Williams sisters for ‘thoughtless comment’

The award-winning director, in an acceptance speech, said Serena and Venus did not ‘play against the guys like I have to’

Campion’s comments were called ‘racist’ and ‘backhanded’ or lacking in awareness.
00:37

Jane Campion, the Oscar-nominated, multi-award-winning director of The Power of the Dog, apologized on Monday for telling the tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams they “do not play against the guys like I have to”, during an acceptance speech at the Critics Choice Awards (CCA) on Sunday.

Jane Campion calls actor Sam Elliott ‘sexist’ for criticizing Power of the Dog
Read more

In a statement, Campion said: “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.”

Winning best director at the CCA on Sunday, Campion acknowledged women at the ceremony including the actor Halle Berry and the Williams sisters, whose youth and relationship with their father is the subject of the film King Richard.

“Venus and Serena, what an honor to be in the room with you,” Campion said, before jokingly requesting tennis lessons.

Campion went on to thank her fellow best director nominees, all male, then said: “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.”

Cameras showed Serena Williams applauding but Venus Williams seeming uncomfortable.

In careers which include 122 singles titles and three Olympic gold medals between them, the Williams sisters have competed against men, winning several mixed doubles titles.

Campion’s remark quickly trended on social media, with many calling the comments “racist”, “backhanded” or lacking in awareness.

Drew Dixon, a producer, said: “The nerve of Jane Campion to suggest her journey is harder than that of two Black women who’ve overcome racism, sexism and classism in one of the whitest, richest sports in the world to become CHAMPIONS again and again is why I have trust issues with white feminists.”

The actor Jodie Turner-Smith, who attended the CCA ceremony, tweeted: “[Jane] taking time out of her best director speech to tell two Black women that she is more oppressed than them is PEAK white feminism.”

The Guardian view on Jane Campion: the power of the director | Editorial
Read more

Campion has come under fire before. At the Venice festival last September, she said the #MeToo movement, against sexual harassment and violence, represented “the end of apartheid for us women”.

Many suggested that remark ignored Black women affected by apartheid in South Africa, as well as the many barriers faced by marginalized women in the entertainment industry.

In her apology on Monday, Campion said: “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 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.”

Topics
  • Jane Campion
  • Serena Williams
  • Venus Williams
  • The Power of the Dog
  • news
Reuse this content
Similar news
News Archive
  • Porsche Mission E
    Porsche Mission E
    Check Out This Porsche Taycan Turbo S Racing Down The Autobahn
    12 Apr 2020
    8
  • 3D printing
    3D printing
    Massivit to launch new giant 3D printer
    11 May 2024
    45
  • Helen George
    Helen George
    BBC Call The Midwife's Helen George spotted on double date with ...
    6 Mar 2024
    6
  • Virgin cruises
    Virgin cruises
    First Look at Virgin Voyages' £550million Cruise Ship Scarlet Lady
    22 Feb 2020
    3
  • NASDAQNXPI
    NASDAQ:NXPI
    NXP Semiconductors NV's Dividend Analysis
    20 Mar 2024
    1
  • FC Isloch
    FC Isloch
    DIN vs ISL, BPL Dream11 Prediction today: Fantasy football tips for Dinamo Minsk vs Isloch Minsk match
    17 May 2020
    2
This week's most popular news