Celebrities Respond to Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech

Maren Morris and More Stars React to Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech

Maren Morris, Harrison Butker. Getty Images(2)

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker recently faced backlash for comments he made about gender roles and the LGBTQ+ community during a graduation speech. At 28 years old, Butker was invited to speak at Benedictine College's graduation ceremony in Atchison, Kansas on May 11th. While addressing the audience, he specifically mentioned the women graduates.

Congratulations to all the ladies here today for your amazing accomplishment. You should feel proud of everything you have achieved so far in your young lives. I want to take a moment to address you directly because I believe that women are often the targets of hurtful lies.

While some of you may go on to have successful careers, I believe that most of you are looking forward to marriage and starting a family.

Harrison believed that his wife, Isabelle Butker, found true fulfillment when she embraced her role as a wife and mother. He emphasized the significance of being a "homemaker" as one of the most important titles.

He also expressed his views on the LGBTQ+ community and Pride month, highlighting the importance of God-centered pride that involves cooperation with the Holy Ghost to glorify Him. He contrasted this with what he referred to as the deadly sins type of Pride that has a whole month dedicated to it.

Harrison’s eyebrow-raising comments have prompted stars including Maren Morris to speak out against him. Keep scrolling to see all the celebrity reactions:

Maren Morris

Maren Morris and More Stars React to Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech

Taylor Hill/WireImage

The singer shared a clip of Harrison’s speech on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, May 15, tapping into a popular social trend.

In the post, she wrote, “I choose the bear,” as part of a trend where women choose between encountering a bear or a man alone in the woods.

Flavor Flav

Maren Morris and More Stars React to Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech

The rapper wrote on Tuesday, May 14 that some players should stick to their own areas and not give commencement speeches. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.

The tweet mentioned a particular part of Harrison's speech.

In his address, Harrison expressed, "I never imagined having this kind of platform, but God has entrusted it to me. Therefore, I am compelled to share more honest messages about staying true to yourself and sticking to your path."

Justice Horn

Maren Morris and More Stars React to Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech

Justice Horn, the former Chair of Kansas City's LGBTQ Commission from 2021 to 2024, posted on Instagram on May 14 to respond to comments made by a Chiefs player.

"Harrison Butker has never been a true representation of Kansas City. Our city has always been known for welcoming, supporting, and accepting our LGBTQ+ community members," he mentioned.

In another tweet, Horn also shared his thoughts on Harrison's suggestion to male graduates to embrace their masculinity and take on challenges instead of opting for the easier path.

Shannon Watts

"I have two 6A MSHAA Football Championship rings in Missouri, so I can speak on this. But let's be real, being a kicker isn't the toughest position out there," Horn mentioned. "He's talking about masculinity while playing a position where he can't be touched - it's pretty funny."

Gun violence prevention activist, Shannon Watts, who is a co-founder of Everytown for Gun Safety, criticized Harrison Butker for failing to acknowledge the shooting incident that took place at the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade in February.

In a statement made on May 15 via X, Watts highlighted that during Butker's speech at Benedictine College, he spoke out against abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, LGBTQ+ rights, and the empowerment of women. However, she pointed out that there was no mention of the gun violence that tragically took the life of a fan during the Super Bowl parade. Watts emphasized that gun extremism is a significant aspect of this issue.

Editor's P/S:

Harrison Butker's controversial remarks at Benedictine College's graduation ceremony have sparked a heated debate, with celebrities and activists condemning his views on gender roles, the LGBTQ+ community, and other sensitive issues. Butker's promotion of traditional gender roles, in which women are primarily expected to