The Kansas City Chiefs kicker has drawn mixed reactions from public and celebrities after urging women to embrace traditional roles as homemakers in a commencement speech.
- May 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - During a commencement ceremony at Benedictine College, NFL star Harrison Butker delivered a speech that sparked significant backlash. Butker, a staunch Catholic, told the graduating women that their "most important title" should be "homemaker" and encouraged them to focus on marriage and children. He also shared his conservative views on various social issues, including Pride month, abortion, and President Joe Biden's leadership.
Butker's comments were met with strong reactions, particularly from Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. On their show, "Today With Hoda & Jenna", the hosts expressed their frustration and criticized Butker for speaking on behalf of all women.
"Who is [Butker] to tell us?" Bush Hager quipped while Kotb added, "Don't speak for us. I think that's kind of the thing. Stop speaking for women out there." Both women emphasized the challenges of being a modern woman and the importance of having the freedom to choose one's path, whether as a homemaker or a working professional.
The duo acknowledged the hard work of stay-at-home parents but pointed out that it's a luxury many cannot afford. "It's an elitist concept to begin with," Bush Hager stated. Kotb also highlighted that many women would like to stay home but need to work for financial reasons.
In contrast, Whoopi Goldberg offered a different perspective on Butker's right to voice his beliefs. On "The View", Goldberg compared the situation to Colin Kaepernick's protests, arguing that everyone deserves the freedom to express their views, even if they're controversial.
"He's at a Catholic college, he's a staunch Catholic. These are his beliefs, and he's welcome to them. I don't have to believe them. I don't have to accept them. The ladies who were sitting in that audience do not have to accept them," she said.
Goldberg also pointed out the potential dangers of silencing individuals for their beliefs, saying, "I have the right to say what I say; he has the right to say what he says." She believes that firing someone for their opinions is problematic and emphasized the importance of respecting differing views.
The NFL quickly distanced itself from Butker's remarks, with Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane stating, "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."
Meanwhile, public petitions have surfaced both supporting and denouncing Butker, reflecting the deep divisions his speech has highlighted.
