Maria Shriver, Hoda Kotb, and celebrities slam Harrison Butker for 'demeaning women' in graduation speech

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has faced severe criticism from celebrities, including Maria Shriver, over his recent controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Butker's comments, which implied that women's roles primarily revolve around marriage and motherhood, have been widely condemned.

Harrison Butker's controversial speech sparks backlash from celebrities

In a statement shared on X, former First Lady of California Maria Shriver expressed her disappointment, stating, "As a woman who has leaned into my vocation of living a meaningful life inside and outside the home to not only raise good humans but also raise up our country in various ways, I think it's demeaning to women to imply that their choices outside of wife and motherhood pale in comparison to that of a homemaker." 

Shriver emphasized the importance of recognizing women's diverse roles and choices in today's society.

"I'm happy for Mr Butker's wife, Isabelle, that she's happy in her chosen vocation. Good for her. But she should let her husband know that not all women can make that choice, even if they want to. Most families can't get by without both parents working. It's a luxury to get the choice she has gotten."

In addition, Shriver commented on Butker's claim that men set "the tone of the culture."

"Women, men, gay, straight - of course we can! I will not tell Mr. Butker to stick to kicking, but I would suggest next time he speaks to women first and listen to someone with a clearer take on where most women find themselves in 2024," she said.

Shriver's stance resonated with many, including former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who stated on X, "Women can be bada** CEOs. Women can be bad** Doctors. Women can be bad** Lawyers. Women can be bad** Moms. Women can do whatever they want. It's their right to choose what they will be."

'Today With Hoda & Jenna' hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager chimed in on the conversation as well.

"Who is (Harrison) to tell us?" Bush Hager questioned.

Kotb added, "Don't speak for us. I think that's kind of the thing. Stop speaking for women out there."

Justice Horn, the former Kansas City commissioner and Chair of Kansas City's LGBTQ Commission from 2021 until this year, expressed on X, "Harrison Butker doesn't represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members."

Whoopi Goldberg defends Harrison Butker's controversial remarks

Amid the controversy surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's recent commencement speech at Benedictine College, renowned celebrity Whoopi Goldberg has stepped forward to defend him.

On 'The View,' Goldberg underscored Butker's entitlement to express his beliefs, especially given the context of his speech at a Catholic institution.

Goldberg stated, "He's at a Catholic college, he's a staunch Catholic. These are his beliefs and he's welcome to them. I don't have to believe them. I don't have to accept them. The ladies that were sitting in that audience do not have to accept them."

During his speech, Butker directed his words toward the female graduates, implying that their primary excitement lay in marriage and motherhood.

He shared personal stories about his wife, Isabelle, highlighting her sense of fulfillment in her roles as a wife and mother.

Butker said, "I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. 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."

"I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today, able to be the man that I am, because I have a wife who leans into her vocation."

"I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all, homemaker," Butker concluded.

Butker also urged men to "fight against cultural emasculation."