Harrison Butker Sends a Direct Message to Serena Williams After ESPYs Diss

Tennis legend Serena Williams hosted the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11. Those who tuned into the awards show likely remember the 23-time Grand Slam winner's epic diss directed toward Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker . And now, Butker has responded.

"So go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports because they are sports," Serena's older sister, Venus Williams , said at one point during the show.

To that, Serena added, "Except you, Harrison Butker. We don't need you."

"At all. Like, ever," actress Quinta Brunson added.

Their public slight against the NFL came after Butker delivered a problematic college graduation speech in May. In the message, he told the crowd that a woman's "most important title" is "homemaker," claiming the female graduates' career aspirations were the result of "diabolical lies."

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In response to Serena calling him out, Butker sent a direct message to the tennis legend. "I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics," the kicker said in a statement to NBC News .

"Sports are supposed to be the great unifier and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats" Butker added. "She used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes."

As of writing, Serena has not publicly responded to Butker's reaction.

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