Chiefs' Harrison Butker Faces Backlash for Speech, Petition Hits 130,000 Signatures

May 16, 2024, 03:44 PM

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is facing significant backlash following a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College. During the speech, Butker criticized Pride Month, President Joe Biden's leadership, and working women, advocating for a more conservative brand of Catholicism. He referred to Pride Month as a 'deadly sin' and suggested that a woman's most important role is as a 'homemaker.' The speech, which lasted over 20 minutes, also touched on topics such as abortion, in-vitro fertilization, and euthanasia. In response to his remarks, the NFL issued a statement distancing itself from Butker's views, emphasizing its commitment to inclusion. A petition calling for Butker's release from the Chiefs has garnered over 130,000 signatures, with an initial surge of 30,000. The controversy has also prompted reactions from various public figures, including Maria Shriver and Flavor Flav, who have condemned Butker's comments. Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has not yet responded to the backlash.