Harrison Butker responds to Serena Williams’ comment at 2024 ESPY Awards

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host,” said Harrison Butker to NBC News.

Harrison Butker is addressing on that remark made at the ESPYs.

The day after Serena Williams made a pointed remark about the Kansas City Chiefs kicker during her reflection on achievements by women athletes at the 2024 ESPY Awards, he responded to the viral moment.

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Harrison said in a statement to NBC News July 12.

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.”

At the July 11 event, Serena, her sister Venus Williams, and Quinta Brunson addressed the audience about women’s sports, with Venus delivering a passionate message.

“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports,” she said, “because they are sports

Referring to Harrison Butker’s controversial remarks about women during his Benedictine College commencement speech in May, Serena promptly added at the ESPYs, “Except you, Harrison Butker,” while he was in the audience.

While Venus nodded in agreement, Quinta emphasized their stance, stating, “At all. Like, ever.”

Harrison faced criticism in recent months following his widely circulated commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he touched on topics including the LGBTQ+ community, reproductive rights, and COVID-19