Serena Williams He called the Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker in 2024 ESPY Awards after his controversial comments on the role of women.
The tennis champion hosted the awards ceremony and was accompanied by her sister during the gala. Venus Williams and creator of Abbot Elementary Quinta Brunson to celebrate women in sport.
“So go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sport because they are sports,” Venus Williams said.
Serena added: “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Brunson added: “Not at all. Never.”
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Earlier this year, Butker gave a commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where she expressed her belief that women receiving degrees were the ones who most wanted to be homemakers.
“I think it’s you women who have heard the most diabolical lies,” Butker said. “Some of you may go on to have successful careers in the world, but I would venture to say that most of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly began when she began living her calling as a wife and mother.”
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After receiving backlash for his comments, Butker said he did not regret expressing his beliefs.
“Over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the world,” Butker said following the backlash (via ESPN). “At first, many people expressed an alarming level of hatred. But as the days went by, even those who disagreed with my views shared their support for my religious freedom.”
He added: “It is a decision I made consciously and one I do not regret at all.”
The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s comments, saying in a statement that he “made a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusion, which only strengthens our league.”