Steph Curry slams former NBA stars criticizing his wife Ayesha over a movie scene: ‘…a bigger conversation on how you view women in this world’
Call them out.
Stephen Curry recently took a stand for his wife, Ayesha, after several former athletes publicly criticized her for a kissing scene in a new movie. According to Fox News, in the Roku romantic comedy Second Chance Holiday, Ayesha plays a dating expert who shares a kiss with her co-star, Matthew Daddario. This moment sparked a wave of unwanted commentary from sports figures on social media. Steph, a four-time NBA champion, decided he had heard enough and posted a video on Instagram to address the situation directly.
On November 12, 2026, Steph made it clear that he usually ignores the noise surrounding his family, but this specific instance crossed a line. He stated, “I’ve been hearing a lot of noise, and usually the noise doesn’t bother me or Ayesha,” and went on to call out those who he felt were trying to undermine her professional accomplishments. The criticism was fueled by comments from former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young, as well as former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.
Arenas, in particular, used his platform on the We Said What We Said podcast to share some controversial views. He labeled Ayesha the only ‘blemish’ in the Curry family because she does not act like the wives of other superstars. Arenas claimed, “She doesn’t act like the other superstars’ wives. You know Jordan’s wife. Cookie, that’s Magic’s wife. Savannah [James], right. We don’t want to hear from you. We just want to know you’re there. You’re fine. You’re taking the pictures, but we don’t want to know you.”
Steph identified that the comments go beyond just a movie scene
He said, “Nick, Gil, Emmanuel, and anybody else who feels the need to wanna have to, you know, jump in and give an opinion of something you don’t really know about, something that kinda speaks to a bigger conversation on how you view women in this world and what they’re allowed and what they’re not allowed to do.” In doing so, he highlighted a recurring issue where men try to force women into narrow boxes, especially when these women are partners of famous athletes.
The responses from the critics were telling. Instead of addressing Ayesha directly, they focused their apologies on Steph, more worried about offending him than they were about the harm caused by their words. Arenas later spoke on his own podcast, Gil’s Arena, to clarify his position. He stopped short of a real apology, saying, “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.”
Nick Young, who once played alongside Curry on the 2018 championship team, offered a slightly different tone. He said, “This man Gil won’t say sorry at all. I’m sorry, Steph. You my dog. I love you. If I offended you, I apologize like a man. I’m sorry.”
Emmanuel Acho also apologized, though he framed it in a way that focused heavily on Steph’s emotional state. He said, “Steph, I’m sorry for not just offending you but potentially offending your wife. I’m sorry for how it may have made you feel.” He added that he was sorry for the reaction it may have caused internally for Steph.
The podcasters completely ignore Ayesha’s long work history
According to The Guardian, long before she was known as a celebrity wife, Ayesha was working in Los Angeles as an actor. She had roles on shows like Disney’s Hannah Montana and the CBS series Gary Unmarried. She has also built a massive brand through her cookbooks, kitchenware, and television work. Despite her success, some view her career as a distraction or a negative, expecting her to remain a silent partner to Steph.
Steph’s response was sharp and effective. He told the critics, “Anytime Ayesha Curry shows up in your headline, I’d kindly suggest you give the happy hands, the congratulations and, maybe, an apology as loud as you lead your shows with this topic.”
Steph even went one step further and thanked the former players for the extra publicity, indicating he was not letting their negativity get to him or his wife. His caption stated, “PSA – You don’t have to like & subscribe to all podcasts. Keep shining.” Steph’s post also included pictures of Ayesha promoting her new Christmas movie.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
