One of the world’s most influential and beloved singers has clapped back at the controversial comments made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker last month.
Back on May 11, Harrison Butker made headlines when he delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas to graduating students. Butker made homophobic, antisemitic, misogynistic and sexist comments, including one moment where he told the graduating female students to become “homemakers.”
Award-winning singer Katy Perry responded to Butker’s comments three weeks later by sharing an edited Instagram video of his commencement speech.
The edited video had a powerful message for women and the LGBTQ+ community, with Perry’s caption reading, “fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything, congratulations and happy pride 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 🧡”.
Here’s what part of the edited speech stated:
“How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you’re going to get in your career? I would venture to guess the women here today are going to lead successful careers in the wor.d”
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The Instagram video from Perry already has more than 146,000 likes.
Harrison Butker’s comments led to plenty of public backlash, with calls for the Chiefs to release the veteran kicker. A petition at Change.org has over 228,000 signatures since opening on May 13.
Harrison Butker and other Chiefs teammates enjoying their time with Joe Biden. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/mPZMxsGJsI
— Mark the Overseer 👀 (@MarkTheOverseer) May 31, 2024
A seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2017, Butker has spent his entire playing career with Kansas City. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs, making 89.1 percent of his field goal attempts and 94.5 percent of extra points.
Harrison Butker Won’t Be Reprimanded By Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs obviously have no intention of punishing Butker over his comments, despite the many calls for them to cut ties with the veteran kicker.
Patrick Mahomes told reporters that he didn’t agree with some of the things Butker said, but that the veteran kicker is a “good person.” Head coach Andy Reid chose to stay clear of the controversy, citing Butker’s freedom of speech.
Butker responded to the backlash and made it clear that he stands by what he said at Benedictine College. By doing so, Butker and the Chiefs are clearly prepared for any further criticism that comes his way.
