In support of LGBTQ+ and working women, pop icon Katy Perry has reimagined NFL kicker Harrison Butker's commencement address, transforming it into a message of inclusivity and empowerment.
- Jun 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - On June 1, Katy Perry took to Instagram to share a heavily edited version of Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech delivered at Benedictine College in May. The original speech had sparked outrage due to Butker's comments against the LGBTQ+ community, working women, surrogacy, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Perry's new take aimed to flip the script, celebrating the very communities Butker had disparaged.
"Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays - you can do anything, congratulations and happy pride," Perry captioned her post. Accompanying the message was a video of the altered speech, which now portrayed Butker offering words of encouragement to women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
In Perry's version, Butker's dialogue is altered to support gender equity and the pursuit of professional success for women. "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 appeared to state in the edited clip.
The new edit creatively restructured Butker's words to paint a more progressive picture. "How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you're going to get in your career? I would venture to guess the women here today are going to lead successful careers in the world," Butker continued in Perry's edit.
Unlike the original speech, which was criticized for reinforcing traditional gender roles and condemning pride as a "deadly sin," Perry's version embraced inclusivity. "The road ahead is bright, things are changing, society is shifting and people young and old are embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion," it read.
Perry's re-edit concluded with a celebratory note, saying, "With that said, I want to say happy Pride Month to all of you. And congratulations Class of 2024."
Butker's original remarks had included statements like, "Benedictine has gone from just another liberal arts school with nothing to set it apart to a thriving beacon of light… I'm certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn't be met with anger, but instead met with excitement and pride, not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify him."
The NFL distanced itself from Butker's views, with Chief Diversity Officer Jonathan Beane stating, "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."
Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn echoed this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Harrison Butker doesn't represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members."
