Just as the media storm surrounding Harrison Butker had begun to calm, the ESPYs reignited the controversy. The Kansas City Chiefs kicker faced backlash for his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he encouraged female graduates to embrace being homemakers, a remark that many criticized for undermining women’s professional ambitions.

At the 2024 ESPYs on Thursday night, tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams, alongside actress Quinta Brunson, took the stage to celebrate the rising popularity of women’s sports.

“You can enjoy women’s sports just like any other sport, because they are sports,” Venus Williams quipped, setting the tone for the evening. While Venus spoke, Serena couldn’t hold back her laughter, readying her own remark.

“Except for you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you,” Serena said, taking a direct jab at the kicker who was in attendance. Brunson added, “At all. Like, ever.” The comments were met with applause and laughter from the audience.

Butker’s controversial speech had also included criticisms of the LGBTQ community and President Biden’s stance on abortion. He linked issues such as abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, and what he described as “degenerate cultural values” to a “pervasiveness of disorder.” Despite the backlash, Butker remained unapologetic, emphasizing his commitment to his faith over public opinion.

“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker stated in a subsequent public appearance. He acknowledged that his outspoken beliefs had made him a “more polarizing” figure.

Despite the controversy, Butker’s jersey sales have surged on NFL Shop. He also played in his third Super Bowl this year, helping the Chiefs secure back-to-back titles in February.

As the ESPYs celebrated the achievements and growing recognition of women’s sports, Serena Williams’ pointed comment served as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue about gender roles and professional opportunities for women. The evening underscored the significant strides women’s sports have made, with figures like Serena and Venus Williams at the forefront of this progress.

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