Serena Williams, the tennis legend with a knack for making headlines, did not disappoint while hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards. The 42-year-old former tennis pro took the opportunity to slam Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker for his controversial remarks made earlier this year.
While highlighting the incredible achievements of women in sports, Serena made a rather pointed comment, “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” she said. But she didn’t stop there.
“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Ouch! Talk about serving an ace.
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Harrison Butker, the 28-year-old football player, was in hot water two months ago for his commencement address at Benedictine College in Kansas.
His speech touched on controversial topics including women’s careers, reproductive rights, the LGBTQIA community, and even President Joe Biden’s policies. Unsurprisingly, his comments did not sit well with many, including Serena Williams.
As soon as Serena’s words echoed through the venue, the audience was left in a stunned silence. Cameras, however, failed to capture Harrison Butker’s reaction. One can only imagine what was going through his mind at that moment.
Serena’s blunt message serves as a reminder that the world of sports is evolving, and women athletes deserve equal respect and recognition. While Harrison Butker may not have enjoyed the jab, perhaps it’s a wake-up call for anyone undermining the progress of women in sports.
"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
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” he said. “You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. 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.
“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.”
The sportsman then stated that his wife, Isabelle Butker, “would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and mother.”
Harrison’s speech rapidly went viral online, prompting reactions from celebrities and some of his Chiefs colleagues. Additionally, social media users chastised him for his personal convictions.
Weeks after the graduation, Harrison defended his remarks at a gala in Nashville, stating, “If it wasn’t clear that timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.”
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