Harrison Butker has responded to the remarks Serena Williams made about him at the 2024 ESPYs the other day.
In a statement released on Friday, July 12, shortly after the event via NBC News, Butker expressed his thoughts on the incident, starting off by saying, "I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics." The 28-year-old athlete continued, "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."
This response followed after Serena along with her sister, Venus, made pointed comments about Butker during the award show, which took place on Thursday, July 11. Addressing women's sports, Venus remarked, "So, go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports." Serena then added, "Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you."
While Butker was at the event, his immediate reaction wasn't shown on camera, Fans were quick to share their opinions on the videos shared to social media of Serena's jab, acknowledging both perspectives.
"I miss the time when manners were a thing. I hate this new culture," noted one fan, while another shared the same sentiment, saying, "Yuck. Nasty stuff, not eloquently or cleverly stated, either. Butker is allowed to have his views. He didn't degrade anybody."
Others were seemingly siding with the tennis pro. One fan commented, "this isn't awful announcing this is perfection in its finest form," while another said, "'We don't need you, Harrison Butker' F**k yes, @serenawilliams is crushing the @ESPYS."
The Butker hate stems from a commencement speech he delivered at Benedictine College in May. During his address, the Chiefs Placekicker suggested that many women graduates might be more excited about future marriages and children than their professional careers. "The majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world," he noted. He then asserted that being a wife and mother was one of the most important roles a woman could have, which generated significant backlash.
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