Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has sparked controversy with his recent remarks at Benedictine College in Kansas, where he told female graduates that one of their most important roles in life will be as a “homemaker”. Butker also criticized abortion, LGBT Pride marches, IVF, surrogacy, and other topics in his 20-minute speech.
The three-time Super Bowl champ’s comments have led to nearly 160,000 people signing a petition for his firing, while the NFL has stated that it is a “personal” matter and that his views do not represent the league.
Butker’s speech has drawn criticism from many, including the LGBT advocacy group GLAAD and former NFL cheerleader Stefanie Hills. However, some conservatives have cheered his remarks, and even liberal comedian Whoopi Goldberg defended his right to express his views.
Butker’s Chiefs teammates have largely stayed quiet about the controversy, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes stating that he does not often speak to Butker.
In addition to the backlash, Missouri’s top prosecutor has vowed to investigate the alleged doxxing of Butker through a social media account run by Kansas City’s government. The post, which revealed the neighborhood where the Butker family lives, was deemed inappropriate and has since been deleted.
Butker, who has played for the Chiefs since 2017, has had a successful career with the team, breaking franchise records and helping them win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in 2020. The fallout from his controversial speech continues to unfold as both supporters and critics weigh in on his remarks.
