Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a controversial graduation speech at Benedictine College, where he made comments about gender roles and the LGBTQIA+ community. His remarks sparked backlash from celebrities and public figures, with some criticizing his views on women’s choices and roles in society. Butker singled out the women graduates, praising homemaking as an important title and implying that marriage and motherhood were their primary goals in life. He also made disparaging comments about the LGBTQIA+ community, referring to Pride Month as a celebration of “deadly sins.”
Celebrities such as Maren Morris, Flavor Flav, and Justice Horn took to social media to express their disapproval of Butker’s speech. Maren Morris invoked a social trend by choosing to encounter a bear over a man alone in the woods, while Flavor Flav criticized Butker for giving a commencement speech outside of his lane. Justice Horn, a former LGBTQ commissioner, stated that Butker’s views do not represent Kansas City’s inclusive community and criticized his focus on masculinity and toughness as a football player. The gun violence prevention activist Shannon Watts called out Butker for neglecting to mention the gun violence incident at the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade.
Despite the backlash, some public figures defended Butker’s right to express his personal beliefs. NFL Senior Vice President Jonathan Beane clarified that Butker’s views were his own and did not reflect the organization’s stance on inclusion. Journalist Lisa Guerrero urged the NFL to address the situation and attract a more diverse fan base. However, hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager criticized Butker for speaking on behalf of women and their choices, with Bush Hager highlighting her partnership with her husband as equal partners in their relationship. Whoopi Goldberg defended Butker’s right to express his beliefs while drawing parallels to Colin Kaepernick’s activism.
Maria Shriver, Robert Griffin III, and Eddie Vedder joined the conversation by challenging Butker’s views on women’s roles and choices in society. Shriver emphasized the importance of women having the freedom to pursue various paths beyond traditional roles such as homemaking. Griffin III highlighted the diverse capabilities of women in different fields and reiterated their right to choose their paths. Vedder mocked Butker’s comments at a concert, questioning the logic behind discouraging women from pursuing their dreams. Actress Patricia Heaton called for a calmer response to Butker’s speech, suggesting that he should be allowed to express his personal beliefs without facing intense criticism.
In conclusion, Harrison Butker’s graduation speech sparked a mix of reactions from celebrities, public figures, and the general public. While some defended his right to express his personal beliefs, others criticized his views on gender roles and the LGBTQIA+ community. The controversy surrounding Butker’s speech highlighted the ongoing debates about women’s choices, masculinity, and inclusivity in society. The backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting respect and acceptance of diverse perspectives within the public discourse.
