Harrison Butker responds to Serena Williams' ESPYS criticism

Thursday night, ESPYS host Serena Williams went viral for her criticism of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. The tennis legend, standing on the stage with her sister Venus and actress Quinta Brunson, took aim at Butker during a segment encouraging viewers to watch women’s sports.

Friday evening, he responded. Butker issued a statement to NBC News regarding Williams’ remarks.

During the show, after Venus Williams encouraged fans to enjoy women’s sports, Serena said that didn’t include Butker. She added “we didn’t need you,” and the Chiefs kicker said Williams chose to “disinvite” people who disagree with her.

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker’s statement read. “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.”

The exchange between the Williams sisters and Brunson took place during a segment meant to celebrate the success of women’s sports this year. That’s when Serena called out Butker.

"So, go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports." – Venus Williams

"Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you." – Serena Williams

"At all. Like, ever." – Quinta Brunson #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/RhvxfiHUWN

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 12, 2024

“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports,” Venus Williams said. “Because they are sports.”

“Except you, Harrison Butker,” Serena Williams said. “We don’t need you.”

“At all,” Brunson added. “Like, ever.”

Butker raised eyebrows in May when he gave a commencement speech at Benedictine College. In his remarks, he expressed his belief that the main role in society for women is as homemakers and condemning the LGBTQ+ community. He also discussed “dangerous gender ideologies,” among other comments that took aim at abortion, President Joe Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other hot-button topics.

“I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” Butker said, via CNN. “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.

“I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”

The NFL addressed his comments shortly afterward. Chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane made it clear Butker’s speech reflected his views and not those of the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell also discussed Butker’s remarks during the NFL Spring Meetings in Nashville, saying the league values its “diversity of opinions.”