Director Jane Campion received backlash after she dragged Serena and Venus Willians into her acceptance speech for a movie which had absolutely nothing to do with them.
Campion issued an apology to the iconic sisters, taking full accountability for her faux pas at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
“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 in a statement, 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 last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women.”
During her acceptance speech for her movie, “The Power of the Dog,” the director, who is a wealthy white woman, said:
“It’s absolutely stunning to be here tonight among so many incredible women,” Campion said. “Halle Berry, you have already done my speech … and really killed it. I loved it. You’re absolutely brilliant.”
She continued: “What an honor to be in the room with you. I’ve taken up tennis — I truly have — and Will [Smith], if you want to come over and give me lessons, I would truly love it. I actually had to stop playing because I’ve got tennis elbow. Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I have to,” as she lifted her trophy above her head.
Campion’s comments were slammed as being tone-deaf and an example of white feminism. The Williams sisters kept it classy—but Venus was evidently uncomfortable by the remarks.
The Williams sisters have not publicly acknowledged the apology.
