The short version
- Stephen Curry released a video criticizing former NBA and NFL players for disparaging his wife Ayesha’s new film role.
- Critics including Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young questioned the appropriateness of her on-screen kiss and professional choices.
- Curry framed the backlash as part of a broader societal issue regarding how women’s accomplishments are viewed and valued.
Stephen Curry has publicly challenged several former professional athletes who criticized his wife, Ayesha Curry, for her leading role in a new romantic comedy. The Golden State Warriors guard posted a ninety-second video on Instagram on Wednesday, directly addressing comments made by Gilbert Arenas, Nick Young, Emmanuel Acho, and LeSean McCoy. These individuals had recently discussed Ayesha’s participation in the film Second Chance Holiday, which premiered on the Roku Channel on November 5.
The controversy centers on a specific scene in the movie where Ayesha shares an on-screen kiss with co-star Matthew Daddario. Former NBA players Arenas and Young, along with former NFL figures Acho and McCoy, used their platforms to question her decision to appear in the project. Their commentary focused on the implications of the romantic content for her marriage and whether such a role aligned with expectations for the spouse of a prominent basketball player.
Curry argued that these remarks crossed a line by diminishing his wife’s professional achievements. In the video, which he labeled as a public service announcement, he expressed frustration that former colleagues were leading podcast discussions and generating headlines based on opinions about another man’s wife. He stated that while he usually ignores noise directed at his family, this particular instance required a response because it attempted to step on Ayesha’s accomplishments.
The Warriors star connected the criticism to larger societal issues regarding gender equality and the treatment of women. He suggested that the comments reflected a problematic view of what women are allowed or not allowed to do in their professional lives. Curry also questioned the former athletes’ understanding of the acting profession, implying that their critique lacked nuance regarding the nature of performance work.
Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star who began his career with Golden State, had described Ayesha as the only blemish on Stephen’s family life during a recent podcast episode. He argued that her behavior did not match the conduct he observed in the wives of other prominent basketball players. Nick Young, who played alongside Curry on the Warriors’ 2018 championship team, also participated in the conversation, while LeSean McCoy separately questioned Ayesha’s decision to film the romantic scene.
Curry has a history of advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. In a 2018 essay for the Players’ Tribune, he called for an end to the gender pay gap and credited his wife and mother with shaping his views on these issues. He wrote that they taught him to challenge societal expectations placed on women and to always listen to and believe in them. His recent response aligns with this longstanding commitment to supporting women’s professional autonomy.
The guard suggested that the former players owed an apology for their comments. He noted that he had initially tried to laugh off the criticism but felt compelled to speak out. Curry advised that whenever Ayesha appears in headlines, commentators should offer congratulations rather than criticism. He added that any apology should be as loud and prominent as the initial coverage of the topic.
Despite the conflict, Curry used the platform to promote his wife’s work. He thanked the commentators for bringing attention to the film and encouraged viewers to watch it on Roku. The post included photographs of Ayesha promoting the movie and a message urging her to keep shining. He also appeared to take a subtle swipe at the critics in his caption, noting that one does not have to like or subscribe to all podcasts.
Ayesha Curry is an established actor, cookbook author, and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in television and film. Her credits include an appearance on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana and a supporting role in the 2024 Netflix romantic comedy Irish Wish alongside Lindsay Lohan. She and Stephen married in 2011 and have four children together.
Curry’s sister, Sydel Curry-Lee, supported her brother’s response in the comments section of the video. She emphasized that the criticism spoke volumes about how the world views women and stated that enough was enough. The incident occurred as Golden State prepared to face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, with the Warriors sitting at joint-third in the Western Conference standings with an eight-win, three-loss record.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Stephen Curry attacks treatment of women after former players criticize wife Ayesha’s movie kiss
