Serena Williams takes jab at Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at ESPYs.
During the ESPY Awards on Thursday night at the Dolby Theatre, host Serena Williams took the opportunity to roast several celebrities, but her most notable jab was aimed at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. The moment unfolded as Williams, her sister Venus, and actress Quinta Brunson discussed the importance of women’s sports.
Venus urged the audience to appreciate women’s sports just like any other sports, stating, “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” In a quick response, Serena humorously added, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Butker was present on the red carpet at the event, making the moment even more impactful.
Serena’s comment was a direct response to Butker’s earlier controversial remarks made during a commencement speech at Benedictine College. In that speech, he acknowledged the achievements of the female graduates but suggested that many were more focused on future marriages and motherhood rather than career aspirations. He stated, “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.” His comments received significant backlash after they went viral.
The exchange at the ESPYs highlighted the ongoing conversation about the visibility and respect for women in sports, as well as the broader societal expectations placed on women. Williams’ playful jab served as a reminder of the importance of supporting women athletes and challenging outdated stereotypes. While Butker’s intentions might have been to motivate, the backlash to his words illustrates the sensitivity surrounding discussions about women’s roles in society and professional spheres.
Overall, the incident underscores the need for continued advocacy for women’s rights and representation, especially in sports. Serena Williams’ comments, delivered in a light-hearted manner, reflected the collective sentiment that women deserve equal recognition and opportunities across all fields.