Harrison Butker Reacts to Serena Williams Calling Him Out: 'Sports Are Supposed to Be the Great Unifier'

Harrison Butker is reacting to being called out for his controversial views by Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

The Kansas City Chiefs kicker, 28, released a statement on Friday, July 12, in response to Serena, 42, poking fun at him at the awards show, following his comments about women made during a May 11 commencement speech.

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker said in his statement, per NBC Sports.

“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,” he continued. “She used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”

On Thursday, July 11, Serena called out Butker during the sports ceremony, which he also attended, as she appeared onstage with her sister, Venus Williams, and Quinta Brunson.

As the trio discussed a triumphant year in sports, Brunson, 34, said. "There are a lot of firsts this year. The Texas Rangers won their first World Series, the Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup.”

The stars then shared tips “on how to properly enjoy" sports — stating that “you can root for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese” — as Venus, 44, said in summary, “So go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sport.”

Serena then interjected, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you," as Brunson added, “At all. Like, ever.”

While Butker’s reaction to the comments was not shown on camera, claps and boos from the audience could be heard in response to the punchline.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The dig made by Serena and Brunson took place after Butker's controversial comments made during a commencement address at Benedictine College. At the time, he spoke out against the LGBTQ+ community, working women and abortion rights, among other comments.

The NFL player made a solo appearance at the ESPYs on Thursday in support of three nominations he received in relation to his team, including best franchise in the NFL, best NFL player and best athlete (for Patrick Mahomes).