Serena Williams news: Jane Campion issues apology to Serena and Venus Williams

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Serena Williams in action

Director Jane Campion has apologized to Venus and Serena Williams for comments that she made about them during the Critics Choice Awards (CCA) on Sunday. 

While doing her acceptance speech, Campion said that she was glad to be in the same venue as the tennis stars but added that they “do not play against the guys like I have to”.

Campion has since commented and said that she made a “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,”

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After Campion’s comments at the Critics Choice Awards, the cameras turned to the Williams sisters, both of whom appeared to be uncomfortable. In their professional careers which have spanned more than two decades, the Williams sisters have won 122 singles titles. They have also competed against men, winning several mixed doubles titles.

Campion came under strong criticism for his comments. with some branding her “racist” and others suggesting that her awareness was lacking. This is not the first time that Campion has come under fire for her comments. She was also criticized after stating at the Venice festival last September that the #MeToo movement represented “the end of Apartheid for us women”.

 

 

In her statement, Campion also added that she never intended to minimalize the achievements earned by the Williams sisters.

“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.”

 

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