Patricia Heaton has joined Kansas City Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt in defending kicker Harrison Butker following his sexist and homophobic commencement speech.
The “Everybody Loves Raymond” alum said in an Instagram video Saturday that she was confused by the outrage Butker received online because “the audience applauded twice during the speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end.”
Heaton, 66, said the NFL player, who spoke at Benedictine College in Kansas on May 11, had every right to share his doctrine at the private Catholic school.
Brittany and Patrick Mahomes make surprise appearance at Kelce Jam, spotted dancing on stage with Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce says ‘life could be no better’ following romantic trip to Italy with Taylor Swift
NFL free agent Isaac Rochell slams Harrison Butker with ‘homemaker’ video
“So what? It’s his opinion. He can have one,” she said. “He’s not a monster for stating what he believes.
“He went after bishops much more than he went after women, or what women’s choices are, or what he thinks they should be — so, I don’t understand.”
The Emmy winner spoke about her own Christian beliefs as a working mother, telling viewers that she found “nothing offensive” about Butker’s comments despite knowing he could “even look at my life and say that’s not the way it should be.”
“If you have made choices in your life and you feel those are the right choices and you’re comfortable and they’re working out for you and your family, great,” she said, “and if they’re different from his, that’s great.”
During the inflammatory speech, the pro athlete, 28, described Pride Month as emblematic of “the deadly sins” and told women their “most important title” would be “homemaker.”
“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,” he said.
The commencement speech caught the ire of the NFL, journalist Maria Shriver and fellow football players.
“As a girl dad, I will do everything I can to create the best world for my daughter to live in and that world does not include toxic masculinity,” free agent Isaac Rochell shared in a statement via Instagram Stories.
“As men and husbands, it’s our responsibility, just like our wives to support our partners’ vocational aspirations.”
