Serena Williams says she “doesn’t need” Harrison Butker to celebrate women’s sports.
The tennis legend made the comments at the ESPY Awards on Thursday night, alongside her sister Venus Williams and actress Quinta Brunson.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker drew criticism for encouraging female graduates to embrace becoming “housewives” during his commencement speech at Benedictine University.
“You can enjoy women’s sports just like any other sport because it’s still a sport,” Venus said.
Serena replied about Butkar, unable to contain her laughter.
Butker, who was in attendance, said in a statement that Williams was a “fantastic host” but did not use the “opportunity” for good.
“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and I commend her for using her platform to voice her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker told NBC Sports. “Sports is supposed to be a great unifier, and at an event celebrating great men and women, she used it as an opportunity to exclude those who disagree with her from supporting her fellow athletes.”
Williams’ jab got a positive reaction from the crowd and became a talking point.
When he appeared in public again a few weeks later, Butker made no apology for his comments, saying, “It’s not people I’m trying to please, it’s Jesus Christ.”
Since then, sales of Butker’s jerseys have skyrocketed at NFL stores, and the speech has drawn mixed reactions in the media.
