Internet slams Patricia Heaton as she defends Harrison Butker's graduation speech remarks on women

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: American actress Patricia Heaton defended Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker following his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11.

During Butker's Benedictine College commencement speech, he incited controversy by criticizing Pride Month, "dangerous gender ideologies," transgender people, and the coronavirus pandemic.

While addressing the audience at the Catholic private liberal arts institution in Atchison, Kansas, the NFL player also urged women to embrace traditional roles as "homemakers," suggesting they return to the kitchen, per USA Today.

Patricia Heaton defends Harrison Butker's 'homemaker' remarks

Patricia Heaton, 66, shared a video on Instagram on Saturday, May 18, with the caption, "Everybody just calm down." In the video, she defended Butker, 28, and his comments regarding the role of women in society as "homemakers."

In her video, Heaton stated, "I don’t understand why everyone’s knickers are in a twist. [Butker] gave a commencement speech, the audience applauded twice during the speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end."

"So, clearly, they enjoyed what he was saying. The guy is espousing his own opinions and Catholic doctrine. So what? It’s his opinion," she continued.

Heaton added, "He can have one. He’s allowed. He’s not a monster for stating what he believes. He went after bishops much more than he went after women or what women’s choices were or what he thought they should be. So, I don’t understand."

Heaton further expressed, "I am a Catholic woman, who worked through my kids’ childhood and I believe God opened those doors for me. Thankfully, it was a schedule that allowed me to also be a full-time mom, basically."

"I find nothing offensive about what he said even though my life is very different. He might even look at my life and say that’s not the way it should be. That’s OK. That’s his opinion," the actress said.

Heaton concluded her monologue by saying, "I’m just curious as to why people get ‘offended.’ If you have made choices in your life and you feel those are the right choices and you’re comfortable and they’re working out for you and your family, great."

"And if they’re different from his, that’s great. You do you. He’ll do him. Relax, everybody."

During the Benedictine College of Kansas commencement speech on May 11, Butker addressed women in the workforce, LGBTQIA+ pride, access to abortion, and even IVF and surrogacy as family planning techniques throughout his speech, per Us Weekly.

Speaking to "the ladies present" at the Benedictine graduation ceremony, Butker declared that they had been the victims of "the most diabolical lies told to [them]."

Internet slams Patricia Heaton for defending Harrison Butker

Social media users swarmed the comment section to voice their disappointment with Patricia Heaton's defense of Butker.

One Instagram user questioned, "How about his comments toward the lgbtq community? You cool with those too?"

Another user added, "Relax everyone?? Just as much as you say he can have his opinion we can have ours and voice them as we see fit. Got to say your post made me a little annoyed. But hey you have your opinion as do I. Enjoy the weekend." [sic]

"I am offended that he was chosen! What a slap to the women graduating after working hard for 4 years for their diploma. So yes Patty I am offended," a user wrote in part of their comment.

Another one added, "I chose to be a stay-at-home mom, and I thought his comments about women’s vocations were insulting. To have been a female graduate or a parent of a female graduate, it would have rubbed me the wrong way."

"Maybe you should have your 'I don't get it' conversation with all the nuns who are offended and made a public statement about it," remarked another offended online user.

One more added, "I think it was the graduation setting. Women had worked hard for their degrees and wanted encouragement for their professional future. Did he guide the men to help out around the house and make babies?"

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