The ESPY Awards took place in Hollywood on Thursday. At one point during the show, Serena Williams leveled Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker with a perfectly placed comment. Short and oh so sweet.
Serena Williams was on stage with her sister Venus and actress Quinta Brunson praising the merits and passion of women’s sports.
And then, zing.
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” – Venus Williams
“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” – Serena Williams
“At all. Like, ever.” – Quinta Brunson #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/RhvxfiHUWN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 12, 2024
“Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you,” Serena said looking right into the camera.
“At all. Like, ever,” Brunson added.
Butker was the target because of his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this year.
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives,” Butker said to the graduating class. “I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.
“How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Butker was rebuked for the comments in many forms of media, not just sports. He also took criticism from numerous groups.
At the ESPY Award, Serena Williams delivered another ace.