Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has responded to remarks ESPYs host Serena Williams made about him from the stage during Thursday night’s show.
Williams was joined on stage by sister Venus Williams and Abbot Elementary creator Quinta Brunson to celebrate women in sports.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports because they are sports,” Venus Williams said.
Serena Williams added, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Brunson then said, “At all. Like, ever.”
The attack stemmed from Butker’s commencement speech earlier this year at Benedictine College. During his speech, he expressed his belief that some women receiving their degrees were most looking forward to becoming homemakers.
Harrison Butker, who attended the ESPYs, defended himself on Friday to NBC News.
“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 said.
“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 with from supporting fellow athletes,” he added.