Former Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is facing backlash for quoting Taylor Swift’s lyrics during a commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker referred to Swift by quoting her song “You Need to Calm Down” and mentioning her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. However, Mitch Schwartz’s wife, Brooke Schwartz, criticized Butker for using Swift’s lyrics in his speech, calling it propaganda and questioning if he was aware of Swift’s public views. She also criticized Butker for speaking to female students about being “homemakers” like his wife, Isabelle Butker, comparing his address to “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Brooke Schwartz took to Instagram to express her disgust with Butker’s speech, stating that it is never a man’s place to tell women what their roles should be. She found Butker’s speech to be gross and backwards, particularly in the message it was sending to young women graduating from college. Despite the criticism, Butker has not responded to the controversy surrounding his speech. He has received backlash from celebrities such as Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and more for his comments during the commencement address.
While Butker has remained silent on the issue, Whoopi Goldberg defended his remarks on “The View,” stating that he is entitled to his beliefs as a staunch Catholic. On the other hand, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, the individuals mentioned in Butker’s speech, have not commented on the controversy surrounding his commencement address. Kelce and Swift have been spotted together in Europe amid Swift’s Eras Tour, enjoying a dinner date in Lake Como and staying at the Villa Sola Cabiati. Despite the attention on Butker’s speech, Kelce and Swift have kept quiet about the situation.
The backlash against Butker’s commencement speech has raised questions about the appropriateness of his comments regarding Taylor Swift’s lyrics and his views on gender roles. Brooke Schwartz’s criticism highlighted the negative impact of Butker’s words on young women graduating from college and the importance of not reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes. The controversy has sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in shaping societal norms and expectations, particularly in regard to gender equality and LGBTQ rights. Despite differing perspectives on the issue, Butker’s speech has reignited conversations about gender roles, feminism, and LGBTQ inclusivity in various contexts.
In conclusion, Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College has stirred controversy for his use of Taylor Swift’s lyrics, comments on homemaking, and gender roles. The backlash from Brooke Schwartz and other critics has shed light on the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public discourse. While Butker has yet to address the criticism surrounding his speech, his remarks have sparked debates on the role of public figures in shaping societal values and expectations. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how Butker and others will respond to the call for more progressive and inclusive messaging in public speeches and discussions.
