Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has received criticism for his recent commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas, where he discussed topics such as gender ideologies, working women, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion as a Catholic. Butker’s comments were shared on social media, leading to a response from various celebrities and political commentators, including Maria Shriver and Flavor Flav. Shriver expressed her opposition to Butker’s views, particularly his emphasis on the role of women as wives and mothers, while Flavor Flav suggested that Butker should stay in his lane.
During an episode of ABC’s The View, moderator Whoopi Goldberg defended Butker’s right to express his opinions, even if she did not agree with them. Goldberg emphasized the importance of respecting differing viewpoints and highlighted the need for mutual respect and understanding. While her co-hosts on The View offered their own perspectives on Butker’s speech, Goldberg argued that individuals should have the freedom to express their beliefs without fear of losing their jobs.
Justice Horn, a former Kansas City commissioner, criticized Butker’s comments about masculinity and the LGBTQ+ community, stating that the athlete does not represent the values of Kansas City, which he described as welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals. Engineer and TV host Emily Calandrelli also voiced her objections to Butker’s remarks, highlighting the importance of women having the freedom to choose their own paths and partners who see them as equals.
Right-wing commentator Alex Jones quoted George Orwell in support of Butker’s right to speak his truth, while conservative commentator Tomi Lahren defended Butker against critics, accusing them of attempting to cancel him. Lahren criticized the cancel culture mentality and urged Butker’s detractors to respect his perspective, even if they disagreed with it. The controversy surrounding Butker’s commencement speech has sparked a broader conversation about free speech, gender roles, and the intersection of personal beliefs with public platforms.
