A “mortal sin” in reference to “gay pride”, women whose ultimate ambition would be the “home”: American football player Harrison Butker has sparked controversy in the media in recent days after a speech deemed misogynistic and homophobic .
In the middle of the graduation ceremony season in the United States, celebrities are invited to give opening speeches, like the kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, the last team to win the Super Bowl in February.
Harrison Butker, with very conservative positions, spoke on Saturday to students at the Catholic university Benedictine College in Kansas, in the central United States. “It is you, women, who are told the most diabolical lies,” he said on the platform in the traditional dress of a young graduate. “Some of you may go on to great careers. But I would venture to say that the majority of you will especially rejoice in your future marriage and the children they will give birth to.
His voice visibly cut by emotion and applause, he ended up evoking the example of his own wife who “cherishes one of the most important functions of all: housewife”. If he did not directly refer to the LGBT + communities, he denounced “dangerous ideologies around gender” and “an entire month” dedicated to “mortal sins”, a reference to the pride march season, or gay prides, celebrated across the United States.
Teammate of star Taylor Swift’s boyfriend
In the middle of the presidential campaign, he also spoke on a major theme by accusing Democratic President Joe Biden, candidate for re-election, of defending, despite his Catholic faith, the right to abortion, which according to him corresponds to the “murder of babies innocent.”
Teammate of Travis Kelce, the boyfriend of pop star Taylor Swift, Harrison Butker quoted one of his songs, which provoked the ire of some fans who did not appreciate the reference to their feminist icon , in such a conservative speech.
“He was fucking horrible,” said student Susannah Leisegang, interviewed by Newsweek magazine. “Everyone in the room gave a standing ovation except me, my roommate and about 10 to 15 other women.” On CNN, a senior official of the American Football League (NFL), Jonathan Beane, assured that the player’s opinions were “not those of the NFL”.
In a press release, the NGO GLAAD, which defends the LGBT+ community, denounced a speech that was “not in phase” with American society. In a very divided country, particularly between ultra-conservatives and ultra-progressives, abortion, gender and racial discrimination remain hot topics.
