Serena Williams and Quinta Brunson took center stage at the 2024 ESPY Awards, held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, and delivered a memorable moment that had the audience buzzing. The tennis legend and the actress co-hosted the event, and during a segment discussing women’s sports with Venus Williams, they took a pointed jab at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
The exchange began with Venus Williams encouraging the audience to appreciate women’s sports just as they would any other sport. “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus said. Serena then interjected with a sharp quip, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Quinta Brunson added to the moment with a deadpan, “At all. Like, ever,” which drew laughter from the crowd.
Harrison Butker was in attendance at the ESPYs, but the cameras did not capture his reaction to the comments. The jab was a clear reference to Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College in May, where he suggested that one of the “most important” roles for a woman is being a homemaker. His remarks had sparked significant backlash, with many criticizing the timing and content of his speech.
In his commencement address, Butker had said, “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.” These comments were met with discomfort by some graduating students, who felt it was not the appropriate time or place for such statements.
Following the ESPYs, Butker released a statement on Friday, acknowledging Serena Williams’ role as a host and her use of the platform to express her beliefs. “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. However, he also expressed disappointment that the event, which celebrates the achievements of a diverse group of athletes, was used to “disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”
Butker’s comments at the commencement and the subsequent backlash have continued to be a topic of discussion. The NFL distanced itself from his views, with a spokesperson telling People Magazine that Butker’s “views are not those of the NFL as an organization.” Despite the criticism, Butker has stood by his remarks, stating that he has no regrets about what he said during his speech.
Serena Williams’ jab at Butker was not the first time a celebrity has called him out. In May, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder criticized Butker during a concert in Las Vegas, saying, “There’s nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman.” Maria Shriver also weighed in on the controversy, questioning the message Butker was trying to convey to the female graduates. “Did he really want them, aka us, to believe that our lives truly only begin when we lean into the vocation of wife and mother?” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Even Butker’s teammate, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, commented on the situation, noting that while he didn’t necessarily agree with everything Butker said, he understood that Butker was trying to lead people in what he believed was the right direction.
The ESPYs moment highlighted the ongoing debate about gender roles and the importance of supporting women’s sports. Serena Williams, known for her advocacy for gender equality in sports, used her platform to make a statement, and the audience’s reaction indicated that her message resonated.
As the night continued, the focus shifted back to celebrating the achievements of athletes from various sports. However, the exchange between Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson, and Harrison Butker remained a standout moment, reflecting the broader conversations happening in society about gender roles and the value of women’s contributions both on and off the field.
Source: NBC News, E! Online, USA TODAY
