Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Benedictine Nuns Denounce Kansas Chiefs Kicker's Divisive Commencement Speech
ICARO Media Group
In a strongly worded denouncement, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica at Benedictine College have joined the growing list of critics against the controversial commencement speech delivered by Kansas Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
During a sold-out concert in Las Vegas on Saturday, Vedder took the stage and expressed his disapproval of Butker's speech, which condemned various controversial topics including abortion, euthanasia, IVF, surrogacy, and the LGBTQ community. Vedder questioned the logic behind Butker's assertions, particularly his suggestion that enforcing traditional gender roles is preferable.
Referring to the female members of the opening band, Deep Sea Diver, Vedder remarked, "They must not have believed that 'diabolical lie' that women should take pride in taking a back seat to their man." The singer openly questioned Butker's advice to young women graduates, asking why they should be encouraged to give up their dreams.
Meanwhile, the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, in a statement posted on Facebook, expressed their disappointment with Butker's speech, stating that it does not align with the values of the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college. They rejected the notion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for women and emphasized the importance of empowering women to pursue their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and careers.
Butker's divisive speech has also drawn criticism from GLAAD, the National Football League (NFL), columnist Sam McDowell, and numerous individuals online. The NFL clarified that Butker spoke in his personal capacity, and his views do not reflect the organization's commitment to inclusion.
While conservative leaders and pundits have praised Butker's speech, notable figures like Patricia Heaton and Whoopi Goldberg have supported his right to express his beliefs while acknowledging that they may disagree.
The backlash against Butker's speech has ignited a broader conversation about the role of personal beliefs in public settings, especially within the context of a diverse academic institution like Benedictine College.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Butker, the NFL, and Benedictine College will address the fallout from the controversial commencement speech that has divided public opinion.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Eddie Vedder's representative for further comment on the matter.