2024 EPSYs was full of interesting storylines, but none more significant than Serena Williams calling out Harrison Butker. The tennis superstar made it clear what the larger fraternity of women in sports feels about the Kansas City Chiefs kicker.
On Thursday, July 11, Serena Williams, along with her sister Venus Williams and ‘Abbott Elementary’ actor Quinta Brunson, took the stage at EPSYs. Being on such a massive stage, Venus implored the audience sitting at the venue and their house to watch women’s sports.
So go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sport.Venus Williams said
Serena appeared to be giggling at her sister, reading from the teleprompter at the edge of the stage. The 23 Grand Slam winner quickly changed her tune, which basically became the highlight of the night.
Except you Harrison Butker…We don’t need you.Serena Williams said
Brunson chimed in, “At all… Like ever.” The fact that Harrison Butker was in attendance made the situation awkward.
Shout out Harrison Butker! You still suck❤️😛#ESPY24 #Chiefs #HarrisonButker pic.twitter.com/I45Juvi0jA
— allie🤍 (@taylorxtravis) July 12, 2024
Three Super Bowl titles don’t hold a candle when the player’s thoughts allegedly scream misogyny and sexism. Harrison Butker dug his own grave in May after a controversial speech during convocation at a Catholic institution.
The 28-year-old faced severe criticism from all quarters. Most of them pointed out how a man could speak such slanderous words while standing in front of a bunch of women about to embark on their careers.
Not only that, a group started a petition to pressure the Kansas City Chiefs’ hierarchy to oust Butker from the organization. Many famous women from various corners tweeted, shared videos, and even went on TV, demanding the same from the Chiefs.
Despite the initial backlash, Butker also received a lot of support from a section of the populace who explained that the Chiefs kicker’s speech was within the confines of a religious institution, which only showcased his beliefs. So, keeping that in mind, he should not be blamed for harboring such views because of the people’s right to speech. Butker’s jersey became one of the highest-selling jerseys on the Fanatics website.
Two months after the raging incident, the situation had died down. Or so everyone thought, because Serena Williams’ taunt only hints that some are still not done with Butker.
