Tennis legend Margaret Court has taken a swipe at Vogue’s famed editor-in-chief after she spoke out about the treatment of LGBTQ people in Australia.
During a speech at an Australian Open function in Melbourne, Anna Wintour, who is an American, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared ‘backward in all senses’ on LGBTQ rights.
She then took a swipe at Court, saying intolerance has no place in tennis.
But Court hit back at Wintour’s remarks – dismissing them entirely.
‘The saddest thing is someone coming from America and telling us in this nation what to do,’ Court told The West Australian on Friday.
Margaret Court (pictured) has now responded to Ms Wintour’s remarks, dismissing them entirely
‘Intolerance has no place in tennis,’ fashion icon Anna Wintour addressed an Australian Open event
‘I’ve loved my nation, played for my nation. There’s probably no one who has been more supportive of, or spoke more highly of, the game of tennis.’
Court has been vocal in her strong anti-gay views and sparked controversy after she penned a letter pleading with Australian’s to vote down the marriage equality plebiscite ‘for the sake of Australia, our children, and our children’s children.’
But Wintour, whose character is believed to have inspired the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, has found an ally in former foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop, who told The Australian the editor had some ‘pretty pertinent points to make’.
Wintour told attendees at the Australian Open Inspirational Series brunch: ‘It is inconsistent for the sport for Margaret Court’s name to be on the stadium that does so much to bring all people together across their differences.’
‘This much I think is clear to anyone who understands the spirit and joy of the game. Margaret Court was a champion on the court but a meeting point for players of all nations, preferences, and backgrounds should celebrate somebody that was a champion off it as well.’
A vocal supporter for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, the 69-year-old also called out the the prime minister over his ultra-conservative views.
Scott Morrison’s opinion on gay rights was described by as ‘backwards in all senses’
‘A government should protect its people and not make it unclear whether they will be accepted,’ Anna Wintour (pictured) said
‘Not everyone in power in Australia today seems to admire the country’s leadership role,’ Wintour told attendees.
‘Like many of you, I have been alarmed by your Prime Minister’s record on LBTGQ rights, which seems backward in all senses that no one can be expelled from school for their orientation should not require clarification.
‘A government should protect its people and not make it unclear whether they will be accepted.’
The fashion icon was famously close to now-disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein before he was accused of sexually abusing countless women in 2017.
The pair, both New York power players, were often spotted together at fashion shows and Weinstein even attended her ‘Damehood party’ at the British Consulate residence, just weeks before his downfall.
She later penned an impassioned letter in defence of Weinstein’s wife Georgia Chapman claiming the designer had ‘no idea about her husband’s behaviour’.
The fashion icon was famously close to now-disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein (left) before he was accused of sexually abusing countless women in 2017
The pair, both New York power players, were often spotted together at fashion shows and other high profile events
Wintour’s comments sparked a divided reaction on social media.
‘MC (Court) has right to express her opinion as does Anna Wintour. MC’s opinions are rightly considered vile & sadly out of date. Renaming of the arena is reasonable,’ one fan tweeted.
But another added: ‘I have no idea who Anna Wintour is, but Margaret Court deserves the recognition for her status as a legend of international tennis.
‘Serena Williams is rightly lauded as possibly the best female player ever and yet still hasn’t won as many majors as Court.’
Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles remains intact after Serena Williams was knocked out of the tournament this week to remain on 23.
Wintour also used her keynote speech to pay tribute to Australian’s powerful sportswomen, singling out surfer Stephanie Gilmore, soccer sensation Samantha Kerr and tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Anna Wintour has reignited the debate over renaming Margaret Court Arena (pictured)
‘I have admired the way you support your women, especially in sport,’ she said.
‘It is clear why this is the home of Stephanie Gilmore, Samantha Kerr and Evonne Goolagong Cawley and why those women have done so much work beyond training to use their platforms to bring about change.’
Wintour is enjoying her time in Melbourne for the Australian grand slam.
‘Tennis is my very favourite sport so to be in such an amazing country with such kind people has been a fantastic experience,’ she told Channel Nine’s Today Show earlier on Thursday.