Stephen Curry Defends Ayesha Curry and Rejects Comments From Former Athletes

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry posted an Instagram video defending his wife, Ayesha Curry, on Wednesday after several former professional athletes criticized her acting role and kissing scene in the Roku holiday film Second Chance Holiday.

The film, which premiered on November 5, stars Ayesha Curry as a dating expert in her first leading movie role. While she has accumulated 20 acting credits on IMDB, the release prompted public debate and commentary from former athletes regarding her career and marriage.

Podcast Comments Target Ayesha Curry

During an episode of the “We Said What We Said” podcast, former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young discussed Ayesha Curry’s career. Arenas characterized her as “the only blemish in the family” because she does not behave like the partners of other prominent athletes.

“The only blemish in the family is the wife, in the sense that she doesn’t act like the other superstars’ wives,” Arenas said on the podcast, comparing her to the wives of other superstars.

Former NFL player LeSean McCoy echoed similar sentiments on the “Speakeasy” podcast, questioning why she would participate in an on-screen romantic scene given her marriage. The commentary centered largely on a kissing scene between Ayesha Curry and co-star Matthew Daddario.

Stephen Curry Responds on Instagram

Addressing the remarks directly, Stephen Curry used his Instagram account on November 11 to push back against the commentary from Young, Arenas, Emmanuel Acho, and others. The four-time NBA champion said that the public discussion had crossed professional boundaries.

I’ve been hearing a lot of noise, and usually the noise doesn’t bother me, doesn’t bother Ayesha, but this one in particular, when you’re trying to step on the accomplishments of my wife and, you know, obviously needing podcasts, tapings and topics and giving opinions on somebody else’s wife.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard

Curry pointed to a broader misunderstanding of the entertainment industry, noting the ignorance behind how acting works. He suggested that critics should offer congratulations rather than disparaging remarks whenever his wife’s name appears in headlines.

Apologies Follow the Public Response

Young apologized during a podcast appearance, saying to the guard, “I’m sorry, Steph.” “You my dawg.” “I love you.” “If I offended you, I apologize like a man.” “I’m sorry.”

Arenas offered an apology regarding any offense taken.

I’m sorry if he’s offended. I didn’t mean it like that. I was just saying that he’s such a perfect dude … but I am sorry.

Gilbert Arenas, former NBA player

Acho similarly offered an apology on the “Speakeasy” podcast, stating, “Steph, I’m sorry for not just offending you but potentially offending your wife.”

Stephen Curry concluded his video statement by thanking the commentators for drawing attention to the project, noting, “Appreciate the free pub, thank you for giving a nice shout-out to Second Chance Holiday.”

The four-time NBA champion released the 90-second video from an account under the name Wardell Curry. His former Golden State Warriors teammate, Nick Young, won an NBA title with the Warriors in 2018. Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho also addressed the situation on a separate podcast, noting that when a man humbly requests an apology, a person should respond accordingly.

Ayesha Curry previously opened up about her experiences during an appearance on a podcast, discussing the lack of certain personal attention compared to the public focus on her husband.

She also noted her early professional start playing a bubble elf in Tim Allen’s feature film The Santa Clause at age three or four. In the Roku holiday film, her character experiences dating misadventures and unsuccessful relationships while believing the odds are stacked against her.