Colton Underwood and Harrison Butker.
Getty Images (2)Former soccer player Colton Underwood wasn’t a fan of Harrison Butkeris the controversial final speech, especially with its dig at Pride Month.
“Here’s what I’m going to say about Harrison’s speech because I saw a lot of comments saying, ‘Well, he has freedom of speech and that was at a Catholic institution.’ I understand, and I understand that his faith is very important to him,” Underwood, 32, said in a Friday, May 17, Instagram Story video. “But what I also understand is that he has a responsibility to create the platform that he uses to spend his time giving this speech so that students feel empowered and excited about the next stage of their lives. “
He continued: “To attempt to say ‘The Deadly Sins of Pride’ knowing that there is at least one LGBTQ+ student in that audience – at least one out there – is just crippling to that person.” Too to hear that her life is a mortal sin on a day that is supposed to be exciting?”
Butker, 28, delivered the commencement address at Benedictine College in Kansas earlier this month. In the speech, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker took a sharp swipe at the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker sparked controversy after making comments about gender roles and the LGBTQIA+ community during a graduation speech. Butker, 28, served as commencement speaker for the graduating class of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, on Saturday, May 11. In his remarks, the athlete highlighted the female graduates. “For the ladies present […]
“Benedictine has evolved from an ordinary liberal arts college with nothing to distinguish it into a thriving beacon,” said Butker, a practicing Catholic. “I am sure the AP reporters could not have imagined that their attempt to blame and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine would be met not with anger but with excitement and pride, not that kind of mortal sin.” of pride to which an entire month is devoted, but the true, God-centered pride that works with the Holy Spirit to glorify Him.”
Colton Underwood
Courtesy of Colton Underwood/InstagramUnderwood, meanwhile, publicly came out as gay in April 2021. Two years later he married a political strategist Jordan C. Brown. During Underwood’s coming out journey, he became a passionate advocate for the community and further noted Friday that Butker’s commencement speech was more “divisive” than an encouraging message to the 2024 graduates.
“[Harrison] “Should have used his time to not be divisive and be more positive,” the former Bachelor added. “There is enough happening in our world right now that we need more love.”
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is facing backlash after his controversial graduation speech. Butker, 28, was the commencement speaker at Benedictine College on Saturday, May 11th. The athlete initially raised eyebrows when he addressed the graduates and called them out on stereotypical gender roles. “I want to speak to you directly for a moment because I think so […]
Underwood also acknowledged in his social media caption that Butker had the right to share his views but probably didn’t think about the possible backlash.
“You have freedom of expression, but you also have to be prepared for the consequences if you do [sic] “Words hurt people,” Underwood wrote alongside his video.
Butker did not publicly address criticism of his speech, which also targeted IVF and surrogacy as family planning methods. He also urged the graduates to give up their professional ambitions and instead take on the “most important” role of housewife.