“I apologize and completely celebrate you,” Filmmaker Jane Campion issues apology for DISRESPECTFUL comments about Venus and Serena Williams
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Jane Campion, Venus Williams, Serena Williams
Serena Williams along with her sister Venus Williams have been the face of women’s tennis for more than two decades. Both the sisters shattered records with Serena going ahead of her elder sister. Serena is one of the most decorated players in tennis history with 23 Grand Slam Singles titles and 4 Olympic Gold medals. Venus remains the most successful tennis Olympian with 5 medals to her name.
Arguably regarded as the greatest tennis player in the open era, she is well known for her sheer dominance on the court she displayed over the years during her prime. The American continues to recover from her injury which has kept her out for nearly 8 months now. As a result of her absence, Serena is currently ranked 237th in the world.
Jane Campion issues apology to Venus and Serena Williams
“Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels. However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to.” This quote by New Zealand filmaker at the Literary Critic Awards directed towards the Williams sisters caused quite an uproar on the internet.
Following the reactions, filmmaker Jane Campion has issued an apology to tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams for passing “thoughtless comments” during her Critics Choice Awards acceptance speech. While acknowledging the ”incredible women”, Campion addressed the Williams’ sisters, as reported by the Deadline.
The Kiwi filmaker issued an earnest apology, calling her comment equating her work to the achievements of the Willams sisters. She also urged that she hadn’t meant to devalue the work and achievements of the duo. She also emphasized how the duo have not only been legends at their sport, but also competed against men both on and off the field.
“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,” said Campion.
She also added that to minimize the sisters’ work is the last thing in the world that she’d want to do, hence calling their achievements “titanic” and celebrating them.
“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,” added Jane.
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