Katy Perry Re-Edits Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech
Katy Perry released a re-edited version of Harrison Butker‘s controversial commencement speech on Sunday, splicing his words together to create a message of female empowerment in opposition to what the football player originally said.
“Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays,” Perry wrote on Instagram. “You can do anything, congratulations and happy Pride.”
The Kansas City Chiefs player was slammed on social media following his commencement speech at Benedictine College last month, where he condemned abortion, euthanasia, IVF, surrogacy and the LGBTQ community, as well as suggested that women should embrace being a “homemaker.” He also denounced the “diabolical lies told to women,” suggesting that enforcing traditional gender roles is the better route.
In Perry’s heavily edited version, Butker’s speech reads as follows: “For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved at this point in your young lives. 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 firsthand 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. 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 to all of you, and congratulations class of 2024.”
In actuality, Butker’s 20-minute speech included this line, among others: “How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and your children.”
Following outcry, the NFL released a statement distancing the organization from Butker’s views, saying the player “gave a speech in his personal capacity,” and that “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
