Katy Perry Edits Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech for Pride Month

Katy Perry kicked off Pride Month by posting a heavily edited version of Harrison Butker’s viral commencement speech, altering key messages of the controversial address. Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, made headlines for a speech he delivered at Benedictine College on May 11, which highlighted his views on gender roles, birth control, surrogacy, and Pride Month, among other topics.

On June 1, marking the start of a month dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Perry shared an edited version of Butker’s remarks on Instagram. In the edited video, Butker’s words from different parts of his speech are spliced together to convey a different message, focusing on celebrating women's achievements and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Edited Speech Highlights

In the edited video, Butker’s speech was altered to say: “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. 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 that the women here today are going to lead successful careers in the world.”

The edited speech continued: “I say all of this to you because I have seen it firsthand. How much happier someone can be supporting women and not saying that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. The road ahead is bright. Things are changing, society is shifting, and people, young and old, are embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

In the modified clip, Butker’s words also wished the crowd a happy Pride Month: “I want to say Happy Pride Month to all of you, and congratulations Class of 2024!”

In her Instagram caption, Perry wrote, “Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything.” She added, “Congratulations and happy pride,” accompanied by a Pride flag, a transgender flag, and an orange heart emoji.

Original Speech and Controversy

Butker’s original speech at Benedictine College did not contain these inclusive messages. Instead, he stated: “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. 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.”

Butker also seemingly criticized Pride Month, praising Catholic pride instead: “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.”

Reactions and Backlash

Perry’s edited video quickly gained attention, with many supporting her stance and others criticizing the alteration of Butker's speech. Many have weighed in on Butker’s original remarks, calling out his views. Responses on the Kansas City Chiefs Instagram page included jabs about needing a man’s permission to watch games.

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, a founding institution and sponsor of the college, also reacted to the speech. In a Facebook statement, the nuns said, “We do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested.” The statement further criticized the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman.

The NFL clarified that Butker’s opinions do not reflect the league’s stance. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated that the kicker “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.”

Butker's Response to Backlash

Butker responded to the backlash while attending a Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, Tennessee. He remarked on the appropriateness of the gala’s theme, “Courage Under Fire,” given the recent controversy.

“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now. Over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe,” Butker said. He expressed that his “beliefs” were met with a “shocking level of hate.”

“The more I’ve talked about what I value most, which is my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I have become,” he added. “It’s a decision I’ve consciously made, and one I do not regret at all.”

Broader Implications

The ongoing debate highlights the polarized views on gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious beliefs in contemporary society. Public figures like Perry and Butker use their platforms to express their opinions, fueling conversations around these topics. Perry’s edited video and Butker’s original speech exemplify the stark differences in perspectives, reflecting broader societal divisions.

As the conversation continues, it underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing complex social issues. The reactions to both the original and edited speeches illustrate the challenges of navigating public discourse in a polarized environment, where messages can be reshaped and reinterpreted in ways that resonate with different audiences.

The impact of these exchanges extends beyond the individuals involved, influencing public perceptions and contributing to the evolving narrative around inclusion, diversity, and faith. As these discussions progress, they play a crucial role in shaping the cultural and social landscape, highlighting the ongoing need for empathy, respect, and open-mindedness in public debates.