Harrison Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, has responded to remarks made by Serena Williams regarding him at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
While on stage with her sister Venus Williams and Abbot Elementary creator Quinta Brunson on Thursday night, Serena took a jab at Butker.
“Go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.”
On Friday, Harrison Butker addressed the group’s comments in a statement to NBC News.
“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applauded her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” he shared.
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“Sports are supposed to be the great unifier, and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees from supporting fellow athletes.”
This move comes two months after Benedictine College’s controversial graduation speech caused controversy for Butker.
More of the female graduates of the program, according to the three-time Super Bowl champion, were “most excited about your marriage and the children you bring into this world.”
“I want to speak directly to you, because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” Butker said.
“How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? I’m going to predict that most of you are most thrilled about getting married and starting a family, even though some of you may go on to have prosperous professions in the world.”
