Last night’s ESPY Awards ceremony was a star-studded event filled with emotional moments, inspirational speeches, and unexpected surprises. Among the highlights was Serena Williams, who took on hosting duties and delivered a memorable monologue that included a sharp quip aimed at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
As the evening celebrated the best in sports, Serena Williams, a tennis legend herself, took a moment to emphasize the importance of supporting women’s sports. Her sister, Venus Williams, joined her on stage to share a powerful message.
“You can enjoy women’s sports, just like any other sport, because they are sports. Except for you Harrison Butker, we don’t need you. At all, like ever.” – Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Quinta Brunson
Heavy on that… #Espys #ESPYAwards #ESPYS24 pic.twitter.com/zdNPpcUrme
— Gerren Peterson (@GerrenPeterson) July 12, 2024
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports,” Venus Williams urged the audience, garnering applause and cheers.
The atmosphere shifted when Serena interjected with a pointed remark directed at Harrison Butker, who was in attendance. “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you,” she said, her tone firm and unyielding. The comment elicited a mix of gasps and laughter from the audience, highlighting the unexpected nature of the jab.
As if to underscore Serena’s sentiment, comedian Quinta Brunson, who was also present at the ceremony, added her own commentary. “At all. Like, ever,” she quipped, adding a humorous touch to the otherwise serious moment.
The exchange quickly became a talking point on social media, with many praising Serena for her boldness and advocacy for women’s sports. Others speculated about the origin of her comments, wondering if there was any previous interaction or disagreement between Williams and Butker.
Harrison Butker, known for his performance on the field, has not publicly responded to the remarks. The Chiefs kicker remained composed throughout the rest of the evening, though cameras captured his reactions during the exchange.
Despite the tension, the ESPYs continued to celebrate the achievements of athletes across various disciplines. The event highlighted the resilience and dedication of sports figures, with numerous awards being presented to deserving individuals.
As the night concluded, Serena Williams’ remarks remained a focal point, serving as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about the importance of equity and respect in sports. Her fearless approach to addressing such issues underscored her legacy not only as a champion on the tennis court but also as a powerful voice for change.
The ESPYs once again proved to be a platform where sports intersect with broader social issues, creating moments that resonate far beyond the awards themselves.