Serena Williams & Quinta Brunson Blast Chiefs’ Kicker Harrison Butker For Comments About Women At ESPY Awards

During the ESPY Awards ceremony on Thursday night, hosts Serena Williams and Quinta Brunson delivered a pointed jab at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, in reference to his controversial remarks on the role of women in society.

The moment occurred as Williams and Brunson discussed women’s sports alongside Venus Williams. “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus stated. Serena quipped, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Brunson echoed the sentiment, “At all. Like, ever,” as the audience erupted in laughter.

Butker’s attendance at the ESPYs was noted, though the cameras did not capture his reaction to the hosts’ offenses. The criticism stems from Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College in May, where he asserted that one of the “most important” roles for a woman is being a homemaker.

Butker said in his speech as he addressed the female graduates, “How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? 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’s remarks were met with immediate backlash, as some graduating students described his comments as “uncomfortable” and not appropriate for the “time and place.” A spokesperson for the NFL distanced the organization from Butker’s views, and stated that they “are not those of the NFL as an organization.”

Despite the plethora of criticism he has faced, Butker has stood by his statements and expressed no regrets. He is not the first public figure to face backlash for his views on women’s roles. In May, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder took aim at Butker at a concert in Las Vegas, and said, “There’s nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman.”