Harrison Butker is going to have to hear quite a few opinions after sharing his thoughts at Benedictine College’s graduation on May 11. Maria Shriver is the latest celebrity to weigh in and she spoke at length in a post on X about the Kansas City Chiefs kicker missing the mark in his commencement speech.
Shriver pointed out that she has been fortunate in her life to work both inside and outside the home because it was not only her choice, but also her financial privilege. Butker’s wife, Isabelle, is lucky that she can choose to stay home and raise their two children because her husband has earned over $18 million in his career kicking a ball, according to Spotrac. Shriver noted that she was “happy” for Isabelle, “but she should let her husband know that not all women can make that choice, even if they wanted to.” The 69-year-old journalist added, “Most families can’t get by without both parents working. It’s a luxury to get the choice she has gotten. The vast majority of women have to put food on the table, while also raising kids, caring for aging parents, running companies… the list goes on!”
Butker’s assertion that women’s best role is that of “homemaker” irked many people on the internet, but Shriver eloquently shared that it’s men “who set the tone for the culture” and she would prefer that he listen “to someone with a clearer take on where most women find themselves in 2024.” It’s been a struggle for women to secure reproductive rights (which Butker does not support), pay equity, voting rights, and maternity leave. Shriver wrote that it took a “revolution” to make these things happen, even though some of these issues have already been dismantled. She finds the NFL star’s words lacked “dignity” and respect” for women in the U.S.
The NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, gave a statement to Entertainment Tonight that softly pedaled away from the controversy by pointing out that Burger “gave a speech in his personal capacity.” Beane added, “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.”
The controversy comes just a season after the NFL worked hard to lean into Taylor Swift’s influence over the league. She brought more female fans to the table by rooting on boyfriend Travis Kelce, who just happens to be teammates with Butker. The team has not made a public comment available yet, but former Monday Night Football reporter Lisa Guerrero also making her voice heard on X, “Hey NFL. If you want to continue to grow your female fan base and any other marginalized group (straight white men are already watching your product), come get your boy.” Butker caused nothing but chaos for himself, his team, and the entire league.
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