Serena Williams Sparks Viral Moment at the ESPYs with Bold Comment on Controversial NFL Star Harrison Butker

Serena Williams made headlines at the 2024 ESPY Awards with a sharp four-word remark directed at controversial NFL star Harrison Butker. The tennis legend’s comment quickly went viral, and Butker has since responded, adding to the buzz.

On Thursday night, Williams hosted the ESPYs alongside her sister Venus Williams and actress Quinta Brunson. During the event, Serena delivered a memorable line that targeted Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. Butker had recently faced backlash for a commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he encouraged female graduates to embrace being homemakers.

“You can enjoy women’s sports, just like any other sport, because they are sports,” Venus said, prompting Serena’s now-famous retort. Barely able to contain her laughter, Serena looked directly into the camera and said, “Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you.” The comment drew laughter and applause from the audience. Brunson added, “At all … like ever.”

Butker, who was in the Dolby Theatre audience, released a statement afterward, acknowledging Williams as a “great host” but criticizing her for not using the “opportunity” for good. “Sports are supposed to be the great unifier,” Butker told NBC Sports. “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 from supporting fellow athletes.”

Despite the criticism, Williams’ jab received a positive reaction and quickly went viral. Butker, who has stood by his commencement speech, reiterated his stance in a subsequent public appearance, stating, “It is not people, but Jesus Christ who I’m trying to please.”

Butker’s commencement speech had sparked significant backlash, being labeled as “sexist” and “misogynist.” In his address, Butker had challenged the notion of career success for women, suggesting that true fulfillment for women comes from marriage and motherhood. “My beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Butker’s jersey sales have surged, indicating that public opinion is divided. While many in the media criticized his remarks, others showed their support through increased merchandise purchases.

The 2024 ESPYs, created by ESPN in 1993 to honor individual and team athletic achievements, once again highlighted the intersection of sports, culture, and personal beliefs. Serena Williams’ historic role as the first African American woman to host the event added to the night’s significance. She was joined by her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and their six-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia, who charmed the audience with her adorable silver dress.

As the event concluded, it was clear that Williams’ bold comment and Butker’s response would continue to be a topic of discussion, reflecting the broader cultural debates surrounding gender roles and personal beliefs in sports.