(Washington) A “mortal sin” in reference to “gay pride marches”, women whose ultimate ambition would be “home”: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has sparked controversy in the media in recent times days after a speech deemed misogynistic and homophobic.
In the middle of graduation season in the United States, celebrities are invited to give opening speeches, like the kicker who was a member of the last victorious Super Bowl team in February.
Harrison Butker, with very conservative positions, spoke on Saturday to students at the Catholic university Benedictine College in Kansas.
“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 make a direct reference to the LGBT+ communities, he denounced “dangerous ideologies around gender” and “an entire month” dedicated to “mortal sins”, a reference to the season of gay pride marches, celebrated across the United States.
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 admirers who did not appreciate the reference to their feminist icon , in such a conservative speech.
“He was fucking horrible,” said a student, Susannah Leisegang, interviewed by the magazine Newsweek. “Everyone in the room gave a standing ovation except me, my roommate and about 10 to 15 other women.”
On CNN, a senior NFL official, 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.