Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker expressed his approval of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship, hoping they would get married and start a family. He spoke highly of meeting Swift at a New Year’s Eve party, describing her as humble and gracious. Butker admitted to being nervous to meet the pop star but had a positive experience chatting with her briefly about football. Despite not being a fan of Swift, he mentioned that her song “Bejeweled” was his favorite due to the lyric “familiarity breeds contempt.”
Butker then made controversial comments during a commencement speech at Benedictine College, denouncing abortion, women in the workforce, dangerous gender ideologies, and Pride Month. He encouraged female graduates to prioritize being a homemaker and emphasized the importance of marriage and family. Butker also urged men in the audience to fight against cultural emasculation and embrace their masculinity. He referenced a line from Swift’s song during his speech, further sparking criticism and backlash on social media.
Fans and critics alike took to social media to condemn Butker’s misogynist remarks, calling him out for his controversial speech disparaging women and promoting traditional gender roles. Some accused him of bigotry and misogyny, branding him as one of the most hated men in North America following the backlash. The NFL’s chief diversity and inclusion officer released a statement denouncing Butker’s speech, clarifying that his views do not reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. Despite the backlash, Butker has not addressed or responded to the criticism.
Butker’s comments sparked a heated debate among Swifties, Chiefs fans, and the general public, leading to a widespread backlash against the NFL player. The controversy surrounding his remarks highlighted the ongoing discussions about gender roles, societal expectations, and the intersection of sports, entertainment, and politics. Butker’s speech elicited strong reactions from various audiences, further emphasizing the need for meaningful conversations about inclusivity, representation, and respect in all aspects of society. As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen whether Butker will address the criticism and reflect on the impact of his controversial comments.
