Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker remained unapologetic for his controversial graduation speech as he addressed the intense backlash during the "Courage Under Fire" gala hosted by Regina Caeli Academy, where he serves on the board. Despite the outcry, Butker emphasized that the criticism only highlighted the perceived attack on "timeless Catholic values."

Speaking at the gala event, Butker doubled down on the remarks he made at Benedictine College two weeks ago. He acknowledged the widespread discussion generated by his speech, stating, "Many people expressed a shocking level of hate" in response to his beliefs—or what people believed his beliefs to be.

During the commencement speech at Benedictine College, Butker made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community, describing gay pride as a "deadly sin." He also voiced his opposition to abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and suggested that female graduates focus on being homemakers rather than pursuing professional success. The divisive remarks triggered a wave of criticism and led to a Change.org petition calling for Butker's dismissal from the Chiefs.

While the NFL and some of Butker's teammates distanced themselves from his comments, citing their disagreement, others defended his right to free speech and expression. Notably, Whoopi Goldberg drew a comparison between Butker and Colin Kaepernick, known for his protest against police brutality during the national anthem.

In his response to the backlash, Butker acknowledged the support received for his freedom of religion, even from those who disagreed with his viewpoints. He emphasized that discussing his Catholic faith had made him increasingly polarizing, but he held no regrets about sharing his beliefs.

Butker also highlighted how the public scrutiny he faced for his speech far outweighed the criticism he endured for his performance as a football player. Despite the controversy and the possibility of professional repercussions, he remained resolute in his stance.

The football community and the public continue to be divided regarding Harrison Butker's controversial speech. His unwillingness to backtrack on his remarks has left fans, teammates, and bystanders grappling with the conflicts between free speech, religious beliefs, and the impact of public figures on wider society.