Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was criticised for his comments at Benedictine College – with a petition demanding his sacking reaching over 200,000 signatures
Katy Perry has mocked remarks made by Harrison Butker during his controversial speech at a graduation ceremony.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker sparked an uproar at Benedictine College following comments on LGBT+ Pride Month and United States President Joe Biden. He also suggested women should avoid careers and become “homemakers” instead.
Many NFL fans were so outraged they started a petition calling for him to be sacked that amassed over 200,000 signatures. Now, ‘Firework’ singer Perry has reworked Butker’s words – releasing them in time for June 1st marking the start of Pride Month.
Her new version hailed ‘ladies’ pursuing their post-graduation career. Sharing her version via Instagram to 207 million followers, she captioned it: “Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays – you can do anything, congratulations and happy pride.”
In the alternate version, Butker says: “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 world.
“I say all of this to you because I have seen it first-hand, how much happier someone can be supporting women and not saying that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Butker then continued in the re-worked version: The road ahead is bright, things are changing, society is shifting and people young and old are embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. With that said, I want to say happy Pride Month to all of you. And congratulations Class of 2024.”
Addressing the fallout from the controversial speech, the Chiefs star said: “The theme for tonight’s gala, Courage Under Fire, was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these last two weeks. If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.”
He also spoke about his religious views, adding: “Our love for Jesus, and thus, our desire to speak out, should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world.
“Glorifying God and not ourselves should always remain our motivation despite any pushback, or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ who I’m trying to please.”
