The NFL has publicly distanced itself from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker after his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, which included sexist, homophobic, and antisemitic remarks. In a statement, the league's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said Butker spoke in his personal capacity and that his views do not represent the NFL.
Butker, 28, used his address to criticize Pride Month, abortion rights, President Joe Biden, and women who prioritize careers over marriage and motherhood. He also referenced Taylor Swift, referring to her as Travis Kelce's girlfriend and misquoting her song 'Bejeweled' by saying 'familiarity breeds contempt.'
Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn rebuked Butker on social media, stating the kicker does not represent the city's inclusive values. A Change.org petition calling for his dismissal from the Chiefs has garnered over 114,000 signatures.
Celebrities including Flavor Flav, Maria Shriver, and Hoda Kotb have also condemned the speech. Flavor Flav suggested Butker should not give commencement speeches, while Kotb shared a video of Swift's feminist anthem 'The Man' as a pointed response.
