Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Faces Backlash Over Controversial Graduation Speech

Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, is embroiled in a controversy following his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he made words that were viewed as misogynistic and homophobic.

The 28-year-old athlete used Taylor Swift lyrics in his speech, which drew criticism from Swift’s fan base, as well as expressing ideas that sparked outrage from numerous sectors.

Although Butker did not specifically address Taylor Swift, he did make an indirect reference to her through her connection with fellow Chiefs player Travis Kelce, repeating a phrase from Swift’s 2022 hit “Bejeweled.” This inclusion of Swift’s songs in a speech criticized for its controversial nature fueled the flames, especially among Swift’s ardent followers, known as the “Swifties.”

During his address on May 11th, Butker made contentious statements implying that women should prioritize marriage and motherhood over career goals. Butker’s remarks included assertions that a woman’s fulfillment is mostly found in domestic tasks, citing his own wife as an example of this ideal.

Furthermore, Butker advised male graduates to embrace traditional manhood and fight what he called the “cultural emasculation of men,” echoing remarks that have been chastised for fostering negative gender stereotypes.

Butker’s strict Catholic beliefs were also clear in his rejection of Pride Month, which portrayed LGBTQ+ identities as sinful—a viewpoint condemned by LGBTQ+ rights advocates.

Following the extensive distribution of Butker’s speech on social media, opponents quickly condemned his statements as retrograde and disrespectful. Taylor Swift fans, in particular, expressed their displeasure at the use of Swift’s lyrics in a speech that they believed antagonistic to the pop icon’s principles.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have yet to respond publicly to Butker’s speech.

Watch Harrison Butker full commencement speech below: