Travis Kelce’s teammate, Harrison Butker, sparked controversy by criticizing working women and referencing a Taylor Swift song in his remarks.

May 15, 2024 14

During a 20-minute commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas on Saturday, May 11, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made headlines by discouraging female graduates from pursuing careers outside of homemaking. In a surprising twist, he quoted Taylor Swift, whom he referred to as “my teammate’s girlfriend.” Butker, who is 28 years old and has two children with his wife Isabelle, also used the speech to criticize President Joe Biden, abortion, birth control, Pride Month, and what he described as “the cultural emasculation of men.” The Catholic liberal arts school shared the controversial address on its YouTube page.

Butker’s remarks included a critique of bishops, accusing them of becoming too familiar with their parishioners due to the adulation they receive. He punctuated this point with a quote from Swift’s song “Bejeweled,” saying, “This undue familiarity will prove to be problematic every time. Because as my teammate’s girlfriend says, ‘Familiarity breeds contempt.’” The teammate he referred to is Travis Kelce, who has been dating Swift since the previous summer. Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner known for championing the LGBTQ community and advocating feminist beliefs, likely does not share Butker’s views.

Addressing the female graduates directly, Butker said, “Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. 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.” He questioned their career aspirations, suggesting that while some might achieve successful careers, most would find true fulfillment in marriage and motherhood.

“My beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” Butker continued. He emphasized that being a homemaker is “one of the most important titles of all,” and added that Isabelle, despite not pursuing a career, has no regrets and would laugh at the idea of wanting a different path.

Swift’s association with the Chiefs and her attendance at several games during the 2023-24 season has brought the team many new fans. However, Butker’s speech has divided opinions. While some people online have praised him for expressing his values, many Swift fans and football enthusiasts have criticized his comments.

“Harrison Butker gave a misogynistic, homophobic, and transphobic commencement speech and then quoted Taylor Swift?” one person tweeted. “Dude. That’s so messed up.”

Another fan commented, “I dare Harrison Butker to tell Taylor Swift she has no value unless she is a wife, mother, and homemaker.”

The speech continues to generate significant discussion and backlash on social media.

Written by: Power Radio

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