The media storm surrounding Harrison Butker was reignited at the 2024 ESPYs as tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, along with actress Quinta Brunson, took the stage to celebrate women’s sports. While Venus emphasized the importance of enjoying women’s sports just like any other sport, Serena couldn’t resist throwing shade at Butker, who was in attendance, saying, “Except for you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you.” The crowd reacted positively to the jab, showing support for Williams’ comment.
Butker had previously faced backlash for his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he encouraged female graduates to embrace being a “homemaker.” Despite the criticism, Butker remained unapologetic for his remarks, stating that he was focused on pleasing Jesus Christ rather than people’s opinions. He stood by his beliefs, even as they made him a more polarizing figure in the public eye.
The controversy surrounding Butker’s speech did not dampen his success on the field, as evidenced by his participation in his third Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year. His jersey sales on NFL Shop have surged, indicating that he still has a strong fan base despite the divided opinions in the media.
While Butker’s comments sparked debate and discussion, the focus at the ESPYs remained on celebrating women’s sports and the achievements of female athletes. The presence of the Williams sisters and Quinta Brunson highlighted the rise in popularity of women’s sports and the importance of recognizing and supporting female athletes in the sporting world.
As the event concluded, the message was clear – women’s sports are just as important and deserving of recognition as any other sport. The ESPYs served as a platform to showcase the talent and dedication of female athletes, sending a powerful message about the value of inclusivity and diversity in the world of sports. Serena Williams’ playful jab at Harrison Butker served as a reminder that women athletes should be celebrated and respected for their accomplishments, regardless of any controversial remarks made by others in the industry.