Harrison Butker is addressing the jab Serena Williams threw at him while hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards.
During the awards show on Thursday night (July 11), the 42-year-old tennis superstar was joined on stage by sister Venus Williams and presenter Quinta Brunson as they all discussed impressive accomplishments made by female athletes.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports—because they are sports,” Venus, 44, said.
“Except you, Harrison Butker,” Serena chimed in. “We don’t need you.”
Harrison, 28, was sitting in the audience at the awards show, but cameras did not capture his reaction.
The day after the awards show, Harrison released a statement reacting to Serena‘s dig.
Keep reading to find out more…“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 shared with NBC News.
“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,” Harrison added.
Serena threw the dig at Harrison after he gave a controversial graduation speech back in May in which he took aim at a variety of topics, including women, the LGBTQ+ community, abortion rights and more.
