Harrison Butker's Controversial Graduation Speech: The Backlash Explodes

Not all of Harrison Butker‘s moves have been total winners.

Before securing a place in the 2025 Super Bowl with his Kansas City Chiefs team, the NFL kicker encountered criticism after delivering a commencement speech at Benedictine College. In this speech, he touched on various subjects like abortion, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women’s roles within their families.

In my address at the Catholic university on May 11th, I posed a question to the ladies present: “Of those who are here today, preparing to step onto this stage, how many are contemplating the professional advancements and accolades in your careers?”

However, I suspect that for most of you, it’s not just about climbing the career ladder. Instead, I believe your hearts flutter with anticipation for the beautiful journey of marriage and the precious souls you will welcome into this world as children.

The 28-year-old remarked that his spouse, Isabelle Butker, who he has two children with, would likely agree that her life found true meaning when she began living her calling as a wife and mother. He also commended her for taking on the significant role of a homemaker.

1. In addition to addressing the graduating women, Harrison also encouraged the male attendees to embrace their masculinity without reservation, warning against cultural attempts to weaken men. Moreover, he criticized certain aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, labeling it as arrogant pride, and expressed disapproval towards procedures such as abortion, IVF, and surrogacy.

2. Besides speaking to the graduating women, Harrison also motivated the male spectators to stand firm in their masculinity, cautioning them against cultural castration. Furthermore, he took issue with aspects of Pride Month within the LGBTQIA+ community, labeling it as arrogance, and expressed discontent regarding procedures like abortion, IVF, and surrogacy.

3. Apart from addressing the graduating women, Harrison also implored the men in attendance to uphold their masculinity fearlessly, highlighting cultural efforts to diminish men. Additionally, he found fault with certain aspects of Pride Month within the LGBTQIA+ community, describing it as excessive pride, and criticized procedures such as abortion, IVF, and surrogacy.

4. Beyond speaking to the graduating women, Harrison also urged the male spectators to hold onto their masculinity unwaveringly, alerting them to cultural efforts to undermine men’s strength. Furthermore, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of Pride Month within the LGBTQIA+ community, labeling it as self-importance, and voiced his disapproval towards procedures like abortion, IVF, and surrogacy.

5. Apart from addressing the graduating women, Harrison also incited the male audience to stand tall in their masculinity, cautioning them about cultural attempts to demean men. Moreover, he found issue with certain aspects of Pride Month within the LGBTQIA+ community, characterizing it as arrogance, and voiced his disapproval towards procedures such as abortion, IVF, and surrogacy.

Following the dissemination of his speech across various online platforms, numerous social media users, along with famous figures such as Serena Williams, Katy Perry, Hoda Kotb, and Travis Kelce’s sister-in-law Kylie Kelce, publicly expressed their disagreement with his contentious remarks.

As a lifestyle advisor, I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments shared by Kylie – a remarkable woman who is proudly partnered with the esteemed Jason Kelce, former Philadelphia Eagles center. In my professional opinion, if you are a lady striving towards career aspirations, let not the opinions of Harrison hinder your relentless pursuit of those dreams. Instead, channel that energy into fueling your determination and focus on the goals that matter most to you.

In a June 2024 interview with Cheddar, the 32-year-old expressed that the women graduating in that class had accomplished something permanent and unalterable – an education that will stay with them forever. He added a hopeful note that if they didn’t feel appropriately celebrated for their achievement, then perhaps it was worthy of recognition.

In the meantime, Hoda challenged Harrison for representing a group he isn’t part of, stating, “Please stop voicing the opinions of women everywhere.

Following the controversy, it’s been clarified that Harrison doesn’t represent the NFL’s viewpoint. In a statement to People, the NFL’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Jonathan Beane, emphasized, “Harrison’s opinions do not align with those of the NFL as a whole. The NFL remains firmly committed to promoting inclusion, which strengthens our league.

However, just because he expressed his viewpoint, it doesn’t imply that the NFL or the Chiefs were criticizing him. As Patrick Mahomes explained during a May 2024 press conference, “In the locker room, we have people from various backgrounds with diverse opinions on many topics, and we don’t always see eye to eye.

And the squad’s tight end Travis echoed those sentiments, saying, “I cherish him as a teammate.”

In his own words during the Saint Benedict’s commencement address, those were his views. I must admit that I don’t concur with most of what he said, or even a significant portion of it, except for the fact that he clearly cherishes his family and his children.

Regarding Harrison, the athlete didn’t express any remorse over his remarks despite receiving criticisms.

As a firm believer in certain ideas that I strongly feel can improve our world, I am determined to share these convictions. If others may not find agreement with my views, I respect their perspective, but I will unwaveringly express what I genuinely believe to be truthful. Throughout this journey, I shall extend love and kindness to all.

For more stars reaction to Harrison’s polarizing speech, read on…

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it this way: In my recent post, I’ve circulated an edited rendition of Butker’s contentious commencement speech. This version cleverly juxtaposes his phrases to give the impression that he’s commending the female graduates on their promising careers ahead, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and extending warm wishes for Pride Month.

On June 1st, Perry posted on Instagram, “I’ve taken care of it for my daughters, my graduates, and my LGBTQ+ friends – you are capable of achieving anything!” He extended his congratulations and well wishes for Pride Month.

Jenna, who has daughters Mila and Poppy, as well as a son named Hal with her partner Henry Hager, stated on TODAY that she’s where she is today because her husband actively supports his career, which involves being an equal partner. She often reminds him of this fact.

In addition, Hoda, who is a mother to daughters named Haley and Hope, stated emphatically: “Please refrain from voicing our opinions. Let’s avoid representing all women out there.

On the May 24th episode of the New Heights podcast, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end expressed his sentiment. “I value him as a teammate,” he said, “not only does he show respect and kindness to my family and those I’ve introduced to him, but he extends this treatment to everyone.

In his own words, during the Saint Benedict’s commencement speech, those were his beliefs. To be honest, I don’t concur with most of it, or even a significant portion of it, except for his affection towards his family and children. It’s important to note that I don’t think it’s right for me to pass judgment on him based on his views, particularly his religious beliefs, about how one should live. That’s just not the person I am.

During a concert in Las Vegas on May 18th, the lead singer of Pearl Jam used some strong language, addressing Butker as a “cowardly, pathetic individual.

He remarked, pointing at his bandmates on stage, “These are some fantastic individuals, both men and women, forming an outstanding group.” He continued, “The vocalist, Jessica [Dobson], and the keyboardist, Patti [King], didn’t seem to buy into that harmful notion that women should be content with playing a secondary role to their male counterparts.

Vedder, father to Olivia and Harper with his wife Jill McCormick, allowed the applause to subside before expressing that homemaking could be one of the toughest jobs and something worthy of great pride.

However, it was not clear to him why someone, whether male or female, would gain by abandoning their aspirations in pursuit of advice.

Moreover, Vedder stated, “Nothing is more powerful than a robust man standing by a robust woman, and individuals of substance don’t shun equality.

In response to Butker’s speech, the singer known for his hit “Bones” made a reference to a popular social media meme where women express their preference between coming across a bear or a man when they are in the forest on their own.

Over a video of an NFL player delivering a speech, Morris posted on her Instagram story, “I opt for the bear.

Regardless of the shared opinions you might encounter, there will be views you won’t agree with,” the ex-Philadelphia Eagles center explained on the May 24th episode of the New Heights podcast. “Let me emphasize that many aspects of his commencement address don’t reflect my beliefs. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that he was delivering a speech at a Catholic university, and unsurprisingly, his remarks turned out to be deeply religious and in line with Catholic teachings.

In simpler terms, he said, “I find listening to someone discuss important topics such as the significance of family and the impact of a wonderful mother particularly meaningful. At the same time, I understand that it’s not necessary for everyone to be a homemaker if they don’t wish to do so in their lives.

Was Harrison Butker essentially trying to convey in his graduation speech that women’s current life decisions primarily revolve around starting their lives once they embrace the role of wife and mother? This is the interpretation Shriver proposed on X, formerly Twitter, on May 16. In other words, did he intend for us to accept that our lives truly gain significance when we devote ourselves to these roles?

She went on to say, “Everyone enjoys freedom of speech in this nation as a perk of being democratic. However, it’s important to remember that women, especially those with a voice, also have the liberty to express dissenting opinions regarding Butker.

The podcast host, who’s also the mother of four girls alongside her husband, L.A. Rams quarterback Matt Stafford, emphasized in an Instagram post on May 16th, that it’s crucial to uplift people instead of putting them down – whether they are men or women.

Each individual has the freedom to shape their own life path; it isn’t determined by others or societal norms. As society continues to define roles for women, self-doubt and feelings of being an imposter can begin to surface, as if they don’t belong because that’s what they’ve been conditioned to believe by society.

She went on to say, “I find joy in being a homemaker and it suits me well, however, this isn’t the case for every woman. Some women prefer not to stay at home, and unfortunately, some don’t have the option to choose. Despite our differences, I believe we all strive for the same ultimate goal: creating a more prosperous world for our children.

To me, fostering and motivating both women and men in their chosen roles is an excellent initial move toward achieving our objective.

In a recent video, the actress from Everybody Loves Raymond expressed confusion about people’s strong reactions. He delivered a commencement speech, which was met with applause multiple times throughout and a standing ovation at the end. This suggests that the audience found his words engaging. The individual is expressing personal views and Catholic teachings.

She went on to say, “His viewpoint is his own, after all, and that’s perfectly fine.” Or alternatively, “He has every right to express his beliefs, without being labeled as monstrous.

In the recent episode of The View on May 16th, I expressed my sentiment about a fellow student at his Catholic college who is deeply committed to his faith. He’s proudly practicing Catholicism, and I respect that. These are his convictions, and he has every right to uphold them. I may not share the same beliefs, but I don’t have to. The individuals sitting in the audience aren’t obliged to either. It’s their personal choice to accept or reject them.

The talk show host stated, “I have no issue with him expressing his opinions and the ladies in the audience following his advice if they wish, as long as they find happiness that way. If they choose not to, they’ll still discover their own path to joy. That’s my perspective.

During a May 22nd press conference, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback clarified, “While there are some points he made that I don’t entirely concur with, I acknowledge his character and recognize his efforts to guide others towards the right path.

He mentioned that just because someone’s values might not align with his, it doesn’t mean he won’t evaluate them based on their daily behavior. In essence, if a person demonstrates good character day in and day out, they are truly admirable, and he will continue to support them as they both strive to improve themselves every day.

At a press conference on May 22nd, the coach from the Kansas City Chiefs commented, “Everyone has their own viewpoint, which is terrific about our nation. You can express these thoughts, and that’s how we find solutions together.

He went on to say, ‘I didn’t discuss this matter with him beforehand, nor did I think it was necessary.’ Here, our group is a reflection of life itself, composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We coexist harmoniously, valuing each other’s opinions, even if we don’t always agree. Each person has a voice here, and that’s one of the wonderful aspects of America. In essence, we embody this diversity and I hope that everyone could learn from our example.’

In my perspective, I believe he wasn’t criticizing women. Everyone, including him, has their unique viewpoints, and we all value and respect those differences.

During Real Time, the TV host made it clear that Butker’s speech was quite different from his own perspective, stating, “Frankly, I can’t fathom what the supposed offense could be.

Speaking passionately, I exclaimed, “He hinted at the possibility that many of us could follow lucrative career paths. Yet, what he’s suggesting is something more profound – a lifestyle, a way of life that was once commonplace and is now accessible to all. Isn’t it only fair that we have the choice to embrace this too?

The spouse and child of the CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs, Clark Hunt, voiced their opinions in response to the team’s kicker’s contentious remarks.

In her Instagram post, Tavia expressed that she’s consistently motivated her children, Ava Hunt and Knobel Hunt, to pursue high education and chase their dreams. She shared photos from the past, captioning them with her belief that they can accomplish anything (as long as it aligns with God’s will). However, she also emphasized that she believes in finding a partner who respects and cherishes you, and starting a family together is one of life’s most fulfilling experiences.

Later on, Gracie shared with the hosts of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” that she had an extraordinarily nurturing mother who was able to be at home while they were growing up. She acknowledged that many women face challenges in making this choice, but for her and her family, it played a crucial role in shaping them into the people they are today.

The NFL commissioner stated, “You know, we have approximately 3,000 players in our league. There are leaders within this league who hold various perspectives, much like the diverse opinions found throughout America. I believe it’s something valuable that we uphold, and it plays a significant role in shaping us as a community, contributing to our overall growth and improvement as a society.

2025-02-08 19:51

Harrison Butker’s Controversial Graduation Speech: The Backlash Explodes

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