Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is being slammed for being “bigoted” and “misogynistic” during his commencement speech.
The athlete spoke to the Spring 2024 graduates at Benedictine College in Atchinson, Kansas over the weekend. Although most commencement speakers are inspirational, Butker’s speech missed the mark for most people.
“it is safe to say that over the years, I have gained quite the reputation for speaking my mind,” Harrison Butker shared at the beginning of his speech.
As he continued to speak, Butker turned his attention to the female graduates. “For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” he said. “I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.”
With things quickly taking a turn, Harrison Butker continued on to say the female graduates have more to look forward to instead their careers.
“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Going on to speak about his personal experience, Butker said he is “beyond blessed” that his wife Isabella would convert to Catholicism, become his wife, and embrace “one of the most important titles of all,” which he believes is “homemaker.”
“Isabelle’s dream of having a career might not have come true,” Harrison said. “But if you ask her today if she has any regrets on her decision, she would laugh out loud without hesitation, and say, ‘Hey, no.’”
Harrison Butker Later Advised Male Graduates by Telling Them to Be ‘Unapologetic’ in Their Masculinity
Later in his speech, Harrison Butker turned his attention to the male graduates. He advised them to be “unapologetic” in their masculinity and to “fight against the cultural emasculation of men.”
“To the gentlemen here today, part of what plagues our society is this lie that has been told to you that men are not necessary in the home or our communities,” he explained to the graduates.
“As men, we set the tone of the culture, and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in. This absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation.”
Harrison Butker also went on a political rant during his speech, insulting the current administration. He also aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, referring to pride week as “deadly sins.”
Benedictine College confirmed that 485 students graduated over the weekend.