The Williams sisters express their anger over a new film depicting their rapid ascent to fame and their father's alleged extramarital relationships, asserting, "Our father does not dictate our actions."

The Williams sisters express their anger over a new film depicting their rapid ascent to fame and their father's alleged extramarital relationships, asserting, "Our father does not dictate our actions."

Venus and Serena Williams have decided to withdraw their support for a film offering a unique glimpse into their personal lives due to disagreements regarding the portrayal of their father, Richard Williams.

Initially anticipated to attend the film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the sisters have opted out of making a red carpet appearance. The documentary, titled 'Venus and Serena,' was directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, both seasoned ABC News professionals. It was scheduled to debut after the conclusion of the US Open, where Serena secured her fourth singles victory just the previous Sunday.

Despite granting the filmmakers access to document their lives extensively, including inside their homes, hotels, and even hospital rooms over the span of a year, the sisters have expressed dissatisfaction with the depiction of their father as a controlling figure, particularly Venus.


The documentary, culled from 450 hours of footage, sheds light on Richard Williams' involvement in his daughters' careers, including his habit of interjecting during their interviews and his early aspirations for their tennis success outlined in a 78-page manifesto drafted when they were in elementary school. Additionally, it delves into Richard Williams' personal life, exploring details about his extramarital relationships and children born out of wedlock.


Michelle Major expressed disappointment at the Williams sisters' change of heart, emphasizing the filmmakers' respect for them and their inspirational story. However, she refrained from elaborating on the specific reasons behind the decision.

The documentary offers an in-depth look at the journey of the two tennis stars from Compton to the pinnacle of their sport, highlighting their dedication and personalities. Despite efforts to address Venus Williams' concerns after an initial screening in August, the filmmakers were unable to sway her stance.

Baird expressed hope that Venus and Serena Williams would eventually recognize the significance of sharing their story.

Previous Post Next Post