Debate over Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s faith-based commencement speech at Benedictine College over the weekend led to an awkward exchange on “Good Morning America” between co-host Robin Roberts and ABC correspondent Stephanie Ramos.
Butker’s speech was the topic of conversation during a segment of the ABC show Thursday, and Ramos reported “mixed reviews in the crowd” at the school when the placekicker was finished.
Ramos said “Butker did receive a standing ovation from the graduates and some of the attendees.”
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Stephanie Ramos interviews musician, entrepreneur and activist Yo Gotti on ABC News Live Aug. 8, 2023. (Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images)
Roberts interjected.
“Usually the commencement address is about the graduates, not about your personal views,” Roberts said.
Ramos responded, saying, “It’s important to remember also that the school did invite him. He’s made his Catholic conservative views very well known.
“But you’re right, [it’s] uplifting. Uplifting speech.”
It’s unclear if she meant the speech itself or the general feeling commencement speeches usually have.
Butker is being attacked for expressing his beliefs at the private Catholic liberal arts college 60 miles outside Kansas City. In the speech, Butker directed a remark to the female graduates in attendance, calling on them to embrace their “vocation” as a “homemaker.”
Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker (7) before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals Dec 31, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” he said. “You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. 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.
CLICK HERE TO READ HARRISON BUTKER’S FULL SPEECH
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today and able to be the man that I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
Robin Roberts arrives at the CoachArt Gala of Champions at The Beverly Hilton Hotel Oct. 17, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Butker’s 20-minute speech also condemned Pride Month, saying it is a “deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it.” He also took a shot at COVID-19 policy and President Biden’s “delusional” stance on abortion.
The Chiefs have not made a public comment regarding Butker’s speech, but the NFL condemned it, issuing an apology while reiterating its stance on inclusion.
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“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the league’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said. “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.”
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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