Filmmaker apologizes for disrespecting Venus and Serena at awards show

Filmmaker apologizes for disrespecting Venus and Serena at awards show

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. 


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.

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