Harrison Butker calls out Serena Williams for 'disinviting' him over controversial remarks at ESPY Awards
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The NFL player Harrison Butker responded to a comment made by the tennis icon Serena Williams about his controversial views at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
Serena Williams slammed Harrison Butker for his controversial views at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
Butker sparked controversy with his speech at Benedictine College in Hutchinson in May 2024, where he spoke to a group of female university students and criticized topics such as the LGBTQ+ community, working women, and abortion rights.
Harrison Butker responds to Serena Williams' claims after his remarks about women
On Friday, July 12, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker issued a statement in response to Serena Williams' teasing during the awards show, which followed his controversial remarks about women in a commencement speech.
Butker claimed in the statement, "I thought Mrs Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics.”
He further emphasized, "Sports are supposed to be the great unifier 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 from supporting fellow athletes.”
What did Serena Williams say of Harrison Butker’s claims?
On Thursday, July 11, Serena Williams called out Harrison Butker during the sports ceremony, which he also attended. She appeared onstage with her sister, Venus Williams, and Quinta Brunson, as per People.
As the trio reflected on a remarkable year in sports, Brunson, 34, noted, "This year has seen many firsts—the Texas Rangers clinched their first World Series title, and the Florida Panthers secured their first Stanley Cup." The stars then exchanged some helpful tips.
The stars then shared valuable tips on "how to properly enjoy" sports, emphasizing that "you can root for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese." Venus, 44, concluded, "So go ahead and enjoy women's sports just like any other sport." Serena then chimed in, "Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you," to which Brunson added, "Not at all. Like, ever."
Internet divided over the exchange between Harrison Butker and Serena Williams
The back-and-forth exchange between Harrison Butker and Serena Williams took the internet by storm. Some internet users agreed with Williams' claims about Butker and questioned why she shouldn't be allowed to speak her mind.
One user supported Williams' claims by stating, "Yeah, he needs to realize the commencement speech wasn’t the place either. Another user questioned, "So he can speak his mind but she can’t?"
A user wrote, "Great unifier? Is that why the pay scale isn’t spread equally amongst all players."
Another user claimed, "Harrison Butker got served a Serena special at the ESPYs, ouch! His commentary on homemaking and controversial views didn’t quite ace it with Serena and the crew! Maybe next time he’ll stick to kicking field goals and leave the mic drops to the pros! 🎤🔥"
One more user praised Williams saying, "Perfect response from him."
A user said, "So he can express his views & opinions whenever/wherever, but can't take it when someone has a view he doesn't like"
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
