The 2024 ESPY Awards, hosted by Serena Williams, saw the tennis star along with her sister Venus Williams and actress Quinta Brunson, take a jab at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. This came during the event, where the trio mocked Butker, who was present in the crowd, for his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College.
While on stage, Venus Williams urged the audience to “enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports because they are sports.” Serena added, “Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you.” Brunson chimed in, “at all… like ever,” eliciting laughter and applause from the crowd.
Butker has faced significant criticism, particularly from left-wing activists and feminist groups, for his speech at the Catholic institution. In his speech, he emphasized traditional Catholic values regarding gender roles, suggesting that women will likely face more fulfillment by embracing their role as a mother. His remarks were falsely interpreted by many, either intentionally or unintentionally, as implying that a woman’s only purpose is to be a mother.
“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” Butker said in the speech at the time, addressing the female graduates.
Butker responded to Serena Williams’ comments in a statement to NBC Sports, saying, “I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics. Sports are supposed to be the great unifier.”
He continued, “and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”
