Eddie Vedder Goes After Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker
Eddie Vedder took a moment during Pearl Jam’s May 18 show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to go after Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
Why Was Eddie Vedder Annoyed with Harrison Butker?
In case you’ve just woken up from a coma, Butker spoke recently at Benedictine College’s commencement ceremony. During his speech at the private liberal arts Catholic school, the kicker was critical of many things, including Pride Month, transgender people and the coronavirus pandemic. However, his remarks about women have received the most significant amount of attention.
Butker said, in part, to the women graduates of Benedictine College, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. 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 said, “Iâm 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.”
What Did Eddie Vedder Say About Harrison Butker?
Butker’s speech went viral shortly after the commencement ceremony and received plenty of backlash. The NFL distanced itself from the kicker’s speech. Additionally, the nuns of Mount St. Scholastica, who have long been associated with Benedictine College, condemned Butker’s remarks.
Vedder joined the chorus of criticism during Pearl Jam’s Vegas show. Between songs, Vedder acknowledged opening act Deep Sea Diver, which has two women members: Singer Jessica Dobson and keyboardist Patti King.
Vedder said, “While I have your attention, can we please raise our voices, clap our hands, and show our appreciation for the first group to be on the stage tonight, Deep Sea Diver? Thatâs some good men and good women making up a great band. The singer, Jessica, and the keyboard player, Patti, they must not have believed that âdiabolical lieâ that women should take pride in taking a back seat to their man.”
He continued, “There should be pride in homemaking if youâre a man or a womanâŚitâs one of the hardest jobs and you should definitely take pride in it, but youâre going to benefit by giving up your dreams? I couldnât understand the logic, so Iâm questioning it in public right now⌠Itâs not a graduation speech.”
Vedder noted about Butker, “The irony was that the football player, well, kicker, you see the kicker doesnât have the pads because he doesnât tackle anybody or get tackled. But he started telling men, âDonât forget to puff up your chest and be more masculine. Donât lose your masculinity.â The irony was that when he was saying that, he looked like such a f—ing p—y.”
He concluded, “Thereâs nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman. People of quality do not fear equality.”