In a powerful display of support for women in sports, tennis champion Serena Williams took a stand against Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Williams, who hosted the prestigious event, was joined by her sister Venus Williams and Abbot Elementary creator Quinta Brunson to celebrate the accomplishments of women in athletics.

During the gala, Venus Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing women's sports as equal to any other sports, stating, "So, go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports because they are sports." Serena Williams, however, had a pointed message for Butker, saying, "Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you." Brunson echoed Serena's sentiments, adding, "At all. Like, ever."

These remarks were made while Butker was likely in the audience at the Dolby Theatre, where the event took place. This confrontation stemmed from Butker's controversial commencement speech earlier this year at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he expressed his belief that women's primary aspirations were to become homemakers.

During his speech, Butker stated, "I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you," implying that women's ambition largely revolves around marriage and motherhood. Despite facing significant backlash for these remarks, Butker expressed no regrets, asserting his freedom of religion and defending his viewpoints.

The NFL, however, distanced itself from Butker's comments, emphasizing that his speech was delivered in his personal capacity and did not reflect the organization's views. The league reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion, stating, "The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

Serena Williams's public call-out of Butker highlights the importance of actively promoting gender equality in sports and challenging regressive attitudes towards women. By using her platform as a prominent athlete and ESPY Awards host, Williams sends a powerful message that derogatory remarks about women have no place in the world of sports.

As the discussion surrounding Butker's beliefs continues, this incident serves as a reminder that athletes, especially those in the public eye, have a responsibility to promote inclusivity and respect in all aspects of society.