At the 2024 ESPY Awards, Quinta Brunson, Venus and Serena Williams, and Harrison Butker were the ones that championed female athletes, but Harrison Butker was the one who was criticized.
The trio shared their observations about the moment that women’s sports is enjoying this year during an exchange on stage in which the two tennis icons hilariously flanked the much shorter Abbott Elementary star. These observations were followed by the setting up of a punchline in which they pointedly called out the Kansas City Chiefs kicker.
Brunson said that this year has seen a significant number of firsts. Both the Texas Rangers and the Florida Panthers achieved their first-ever victories in the World Series and the Stanley Cup, respectively.
After that, Serena made a joke when she said, “And, according to the sports media, this is the first year that women have ever played basketball.”
Following that, the celebrities went on to talk about the “huge year in women’s sports” by providing “tips on how to properly enjoy them.” One of the most important things they said was that “you can root for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.”
Consequently, Venus summed up the situation by saying, “So go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sport.”
“With the exception of you, Harrison Butker, we do not require your presence,” Serena said.
“At all, like, ever,” Brunson said with a deadpan expression.
Butker, who was there and walked the red carpet, did not stop for the media before the event. The camera did not pan to him, but he did walk the red carpet.
The provocative remarks that Butker made during a graduation speech in May, in which he took aim at the LGBTQ+ community, working women, abortion rights, and other topics, attracted considerable criticism from celebrities and the National Football League.
The rivalry between Venus and Serena was brought up in a lighthearted manner prior to their own counterattack on stage.
During her speech, Venus informed the crowd, “I’m going to let you all in on this, ESPN actually asked me to host this year.” “I will let my younger sister go ahead and host,” I remarked. “I will not be hosting.”
Following yet another of her sixteen clothing changes, Serena eventually made her way back to the stage.
Do you know what you’re doing? Serena made a joke. At least, that’s what I believed. I ask you, how many times do you have to tell me that this is my night?
Live coverage of the ESPY Awards will begin at eight o’clock Eastern Time on ABC.