It’s one thing to learn from the media that you’ve been disrespected. It’s quite another thing altogether when someone does so face-to-face and live at the podium at an awards show.
Oscar-nominated movie director Jane Campion turned what was supposed to be a celebratory night at the Critics Choice Awards into a cringeworthy moment for Venus and Serena Williams — and the viewers.
Serena, in particular, was clapping for Campion as she accepted her award for the film Power of the Dog. Little did the two tennis legends know that Campion would come for them.
“What an honor to be in the room with you … I’d also just like to give my love out to my fellow, fellow, fellow — the guys. And Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys, like I have to,” she laughed as the audience chuckled nervously. Venus Williams was vexed by the comment and seemed to be trapped in a half-smile. Serena clapped for Campion in an exaggerated manner in response.
Here's the clip of Jane Campion's speech#CriticsChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/pucAsmE2JF
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 14, 2022
On Monday, March 14, 2022, after enduring a night of overwhelming criticism, 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.”
Campion added to her apology by stating: “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.”
Her words of contrition went over as hollow, empty gesture from a woman whose unsolicited and unprovoked shade at the Williams sisters are emblematic of the culture in Hollywood that masters in microaggressions against Black people.
Now what #JaneCampion could have said was "The Williams sisters have been a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world and now they're taking Hollywood by storm. Welcome to them" and then sat there and ate her food. https://t.co/0BuUNEqBlt
— Portia ♍️ 🐳McGonagal portiamcgonagal1619 on Insta (@PortiaMcGonagal) March 14, 2022
#JaneCampion is either showing her true colors or she just doesn’t have a clue. Either way, her remarks regarding the Williams’ sisters reflect a total dismissal of our reality. Jane Campion Faces Criticism for Venus and Serena Williams Comments – Variety https://t.co/dWPZGo6VaB
— Lisa Nelson-Haynes (@momsamango) March 14, 2022
Venus and Serena are LEGENDS who fought both racial and gender battles…I’m baffled #JaneCampion had the audacity to downplay those adversities to make her accomplishments seem bigger…no one outside of an elite group in Hollywood even knows who she is…🤦🏽♂️ #girlbye
— Jason L. Bridges (@imjasonlbridges) March 14, 2022
#JaneCampion is a idiot. All she had to do is get her award, say thank you and go sit down. No need to diminish the victories of others, especially The Williams sisters who had to prove their worth to not only White men but to the entire world. WW are exhausting.
— Kumutha Lane (@KumuthaLane) March 14, 2022
White woman fragility at its finest. She'll tackle the patriarchy, but she just showed she's definitely white before woman. Got to raise herself just a bit higher by belittling two much more famous, accomplished, and talented black women (who have also beat men in their field).
— 🐝Janet Cypher🐝✍️🚎 (@pita_tahini) March 14, 2022
#JaneCampion you have NEVER known or will ever know ANYTHING about the hurdles Venus & #SerenaWilliams had to jump to be able to EVEN COMPETE!
Competing against the racism & misogyny from not only men but from over privileged, self absorbed & pompous white women like yourself!
🤦🏽♀️ https://t.co/rC0sZziN5A— Biden/Obama/HRC/Harris Democrat (@KTforBiden) March 14, 2022
