Stephen Curry issues rare public response to critics, defends wife Ayesha amid acting-role backlash

Stephen Curry has publicly defended his wife, Ayesha, after former athletes criticised her role in a romantic comedy, saying the debate had crossed a line and disparaged her achievements. His response matters because the criticism focused on a scripted kissing scene and comments about how Ayesha behaves as the wife of a high-profile NBA player.

The backlash followed the release of Roku’s *Second Chance Holiday*, in which Ayesha kisses co-star Matthew Daddario. Nick Young, Gilbert Arenas, Emmanuel Acho and LeSean McCoy were among those who commented; Curry urged critics who use her name in headlines to offer congratulations and an apology. Separately, Curry left the Warriors’ game against Houston in the first quarter with right abdominal soreness; Golden State had started the season 0-3 before winning eight straight.