Jane Campion apologizes for commenting on Venus and Serena Williams

In the Critics’ Choice Awards On Sunday evening, Jane Campion won Best Director for her work on the Western revisionist film “dog power. “

Within minutes, she had made a slip, for which she would apologize the next day.

“It is absolutely amazing to be here tonight among so many amazing women,” Campion began as she accepted the award. “Halle Berry, you have I already did what I said – And she really killed him, I loved him. She said, referring to the #SeeHer award winner.

“And Venus and Serena, I’m honored to be in the room with you,” Campion continued, referring to the tennis greats who were there to support Will Smith and the rest of the cast.”King Richard, “A warm family drama about the Williams family.” I played tennis. I really. And Will, if you want to come over and give me lessons, I’d really love it. In fact, I had to stop playing because I had tennis elbow. I would also like to give my love to my fellow men. The candidates.

“You know, Serena and Venus, you are a marvel. However, you don’t play against players – as I should.”

When the camera moved to Venus Williams, her mug Release thousands of memes.

The angry reaction was evident on social media. “No matter how far we go, we are reminded that it is not enough.” – Serena Williams Video From the letter was published.

Another commenter noted, “The Williams sisters have already competed against the men in the mixed tag team event.” “For those unfamiliar with tennis, this is when two teams of one man and one woman compete against each other. So Jane’s comment is not only ignorance, it is inaccurate and incorrect.”

Campion apologized in a statement on Monday.

“I made a thoughtless comment that equals what I do in the movie world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved,” she said. “It was not my intention to underestimate these two legendary women and world class athletes.

“The truth is that the Williams sisters are, in fact, fighting against men on (and off) the court, and both have raised standards and opened doors for what’s possible for women in this world. The last thing I’d like to do is belittle amazing women. I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments Giant and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and fully celebrate you both.”