Serena Williams Mocks NFL Player Butker Over Sexist Comments at ESPY Awards

During the ESPY sporting awards ceremony, Serena Williams, alongside her sister Venus Williams and comedian Quinta Brunson, took a swipe at NFL player Harrison Butker for his controversial comments on gender roles, abortion, and LGBTQ+ issues. The event, hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, featured Butker in the audience when the remark was made.

Butker, a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently faced backlash for remarks made during a speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He criticized President Joe Biden, condemned LGBTQ+ Pride month, and suggested traditional gender roles placing women as “homemakers.”

Venus Williams set the stage by emphasizing the value of women’s sports as equal to any other form of sports. During the ESPY awards, Serena Williams humorously singled out Butker and stated, “we don’t need you,” highlighting the divide caused by Butker’s statements.

Following the ESPY moment, Butker issued a response commending Serena’s expression of beliefs but stated disappointment in the event being used to exclude those with differing opinions. The NFL spokesperson clarified that Butker’s views do not represent the league’s stance on inclusivity.

Teammates of Butker, like Travis Kelce, publicly disagreed with Butker’s views but maintained respect for his personal beliefs. However, the commencement speech ignited social media discussions and raised questions about gender roles, religious values, and freedom of expression.

Butker later addressed a gala presented by the Regina Caeli Academy, doubling down on his views and emphasizing the importance of Catholic values in the face of criticism.