Serena Williams Throws Epic Shade at Harrison Butker During 2024 ESPY Awards
It was a star-studded evening at the ESPYs, featuring Serena Williams alongside her sister Venus and “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson. While the Williams sisters promoted women’s sports, Serena took a surprising jab at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
Venus Williams was passionate in her call for more viewership of women’s sports, emphasizing, “like you would any other sports because they are sports.”
The moment took a sharp turn when Serena pointedly addressed Butker, who was in attendance, saying: “Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you.”
Adding to the sting, Quinta Brunson chimed in with: “At all. Like, ever.”
The audience reacted with a mix of gasps and laughter, applauding the bold remarks at the Dolby Theater.
The controversy around Butker escalated following his controversial commencement address at Benedictine College, where he emphasized traditional gender roles and criticized modern cultural values.
In his speech, Butker remarked: “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.”
He praised his wife, Isabelle, for embracing her role as a homemaker, stating that her life ‘truly started’ when she ‘began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.’
Butker also criticized President Biden for his stance on abortion, despite his Catholic faith, and made comments against ‘dangerous gender ideologies’ and ‘the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion.’
Responding to the backlash, Butker defended his views at the Courage Under Fire gala, underscoring the disdain for Catholic values he perceives in society.
The NFL clarified that Butker’s statements were his own and do not reflect the league’s views.
GLAAD also spoke out against Butker’s speech, criticizing it as significantly disconnected from current societal norms regarding LGBTQ+ rights and women’s issues.