LOS ANGELES – Serena Williams, hosting the ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre on Thursday night, took playful jabs at several celebrities. However, her most notable remark targeted Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
The incident occurred when Serena, her sister Venus, and actress Quinta Brunson were on stage discussing women’s sports.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus said.
To which Serena quipped, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”
Butker was spotted on the red carpet during the ESPY Awards that evening.
Serena’s comment was a response to Butker’s controversial remarks about women during a commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this year.
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” Butker said to the graduates. “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 the children you will bring into this world.”
Butker faced widespread backlash after segments of his speech went viral.