"Serena Williams will remain forever, Harrison Butker who?" - Fans slam Kansas City Chiefs kicker's response to American icon over ESPYs 2024 jibe

Fans slam Harrison Butker as he lashes out at Serena Williams; ( Source: Getty Image)
Harrison Butker and Serena Williams (Source: Getty Image)

Harrison Butker's recent response to Serena Williams' jibe has met with criticism from fans. Williams publicly denounced the footballer while hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, July 11, for his comments on women in the past.

During a commencement address at Benedictine College in Kansas in May, Butker expressed his view that most women would prefer to be homemakers rather than pursue career ambitions. His remarks sparked significant backlash, with many criticizing them as misogynistic.

While celebrating women's achievements in sports during the ESPY Awards, Serena's elder sister Venus encouraged everyone in attendance, as well as those streaming the show, to enjoy women's sports as much as they do men's. Serena had then chimed in, telling the NFL star to exclude himself, adding that women don't need him.

"Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you," Serena said.

Williams' comments were later responded to by Butker. He said that he viewed the moment as Williams using the event to distance herself from people who hold different opinions from hers. He also praised the 42-year-old despite their disagreement over his controversial remark.

“Sports are supposed to be the great unifier and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes. I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker said ( via NBC)

After his statement went public, fans on X (formerly Twitter) had some strong words to say for the Kansas City Chiefs kicker.

"Serena Williams will remain in sports records forever. Harrison who?" One fan stated.
"He can shut the fu*k up," a fan wrote.
"You are NOT on her level, DONT SPEAK ON SERENA," a fan chimed in.

Here are a few more reactions from the fans:

"Butker is just a weak little boy who’s a fan of culturally oppressing women because he hasn’t gotten over his mommy issues," one fan said.
"She is Serena Williams. We only know of Harrison Butker becoz his teammate is dating Taylor Swift and becoz of that horrible graduation speech. Sit down Buttface," a fan commented.
"He dga* about none of that when he was on stage at a graduation talking crazy," another expressed.

Serena Williams also threw a playful dig at NBA father-son duo LeBron and Bronny James during the ESPYs

2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® - Day 2 - Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® - Day 2 - Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Serena Williams provided many highlights while hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards, including one moment where she remarked in jest about LeBron James and his son Bronny during her monologue.

Bronny was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall draft pick this year. From the stage, the 23-time Major winner wished him a long career, long enough to see his hairline recede and then come back. This was a playful reference to LeBron's hair transplant surgery in 2014.

"He got drafted to the Lakers where he will play with his dad. And I truly hope Bronny has a long career… so long that he will see his hairline recede, then, miraculously unrecede, like dad," Serena Williams said.

Serena Williams later joked that while the 39-year-old NBA star was aiming to win a championship with his son, she has already outdone that by winning a Major while pregnant, adding that her achievement seemed more impressive.

“LeBron wants to win with his son on his team… I won with my daughter in my belly. I think we know which one is WAY more impressive," Serena Williams said.

Serena Williams won the 2017 Australian Open while she was pregnant. Notably, she defeated her elder sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the finals, winning her 23rd Grand Slam title.

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Edited by Eeshaan Tiwary
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