Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, delivered a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he criticized President Joe Biden, women choosing careers over homemaking, Pride Month, and abortion. In his speech, Butker quoted Taylor Swift, saying, "Boys only want love if it's torture, don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn ya," which stirred speculation and backlash.
The speech involved Butker expressing strong views on traditional gender roles, suggesting that women should prioritize homemaking over careers, which sparked outrage and accusations of misogyny among listeners. Furthermore, he voiced his disapproval of Pride Month and denounced Biden's stance on abortion, calling it "diabolic lies told to women". Butker's remarks fueled a firestorm of criticism, with many condemning his opinions as regressive and offensive.
Notably, Butker's speech sparked a contentious debate about masculinity, gender roles, and political stances in the public sphere. Some praised his outspoken remarks, considering them a refreshing take on masculinity, while others condemned them as outdated and harmful. The speech polarized opinions, with media outlets like The Federalist and The Blaze highlighting Butker's confrontational stance against Biden and his purportedly hypocritical abortion agenda.
In response to the backlash, Butker stood by his speech, refusing to apologize for his statements and defending his views on gender roles and political ideologies. The incident exemplified the intersection of sports, politics, and societal issues, sparking conversations about tolerance, gender equality, and freedom of speech.