Stephen Curry defends wife Ayesha after podcasters criticize her film role

On Wednesday, Stephen Curry posted an Instagram video calling out former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young for comments about his wife Ayesha Curry’s role in the Roku original film Second Chance Holiday.

“Nick [Young], Gil [Arenas], Emmanuel [Acho], and anybody else who feels the need to have to jump in and give an opinion on something you don’t know about, something that kind of speaks to a bigger conversation on how you view women in this world, and what they’re allowed and not allowed to do,”

The film stars Ayesha Curry as Chelsey Banks, a dating expert who reconnects with her high‑school sweetheart, played by Matthew Daddario. After the premiere on the Roku Channel, a clip of the on‑screen couple sharing a kiss circulated online, prompting a social‑media debate.

Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy highlighted the clip on the Speakeasy podcast with co‑host Emmanuel Acho, saying, “This is crazy. You got one of the greatest players of all time as your husband… now you want us to see kissing a dude?… This is crazy.”

Following Curry’s Instagram post, Arenas and Young were filming a live episode of the Gil’s Arena podcast and issued apologies. Arenas said, “This is exactly why I made the comment: Because he’s a professional, professional… He doesn’t get in trouble for nothing. He says the right things… If you gotta judge this family, the only blemish is the things that his wife has said,” and added, “I’m sorry if he’s offended. I didn’t mean it like that. I was just saying, he’s such a perfect dude. But I’m sorry if he’s offended.” Young responded, “Steph, I’m sorry, man. You my dog, I love you,” and “If I said anything, I apologize like a man!”

Jemele Hill also weighed in on the controversy, defending Ayesha Curry’s decision to take on the leading role.