Jane Campion has apologized to Serena and Venus Williams for making a “thoughtless comment” about athletes at the Critics Choice Awards.
The Australian filmmaker received the award for Best Director for Dog Power during the awards ceremony on Sunday (March 13), during which she made a comment about the Williams sisters that many considered “unnecessary.”
“Venus and Serena, you are such marvels,” said Campion. “However, you don’t play against guys like I should.
While the comment seemed to be warmly received in the room, Campion was called out on social media by many viewers for likening her struggle to the hardships of two black women.
On Monday (March 14), Campion released a statement apologizing for the “devaluation” of female tennis players.
“I made a thoughtless comment comparing what I’m doing in the film world to everything Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved,” she said.
“I didn’t mean to devalue these two legendary black women and world-class athletes.”
Campion continued: “The thing is, the Williams sisters really stood up to the men on (and off) the court, and they raised the bar and opened the door to what is possible for women in this world.
From LR: Venus Williams, Jane Campion, Netflix’s Scott Stuber and Serena Williams at Critics Choice After Party
(Getty Images for Netflix)
“The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize prominent women. I love Serena and Venus. Their achievements are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and thank you completely.”
The Williams sisters attended the Critics Choice Awards with King Richard for a Will Smith film about their father.
However, sports stars were spotted talking and dancing with Campion at the Netflix party after the awards show.