Entertainment
Petition calling on Kansas City leaders to release Harrison Butker has garnered more than 112,000 signatures
A petition demanding the Kansas City Chiefs to release kicker Harrison Butker has collected more than 112,000 signatures after the controversial speech he gave went viral, RadarOnline.com has learned.
The three-time Super Bowl winner and father of two has been accused of using misogynistic, homophobic and anti-Semitic tones in his speech to Benedictine College graduates on May 11.
Butker came under fire after excerpts of his speech went viral. While addressing graduates, the NFL kicker condemned Pride month — which he said represented “deadly sins” — and slammed Joe Biden for supporting abortion rights while she was Catholic, claiming that female graduates had been told “diabolical lies” about building a career instead of becoming wives and mothers.
Amid overwhelming responses, the N.F.L released a statement addressing Butker’s offensive posts.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in a personal capacity,” said Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief executive of diversity and inclusion. People in a statement. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity, which only makes our league stronger.”
Outraged fans still felt that Butker’s speech demanded action from the team. Early Thursday afternoon, the Change.org petition stood at 112,000 signatures calling for his release – and continues to grow.
“We demand responsibility from our sports figures, who must be role models who promote respect for all people, regardless of their race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We call on the management of the Kansas City Chiefs to immediately fire Harrison Butker due to his inappropriate conduct,” the petition reads. declared.
“Please sign this petition if you support us against discrimination and believe in promoting an inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
The petition claimed the Kansas City Chiefs’ comments were “sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist.”
“These dehumanizing comments against LGBTQ+ people, attacks on abortion rights, and racial discrimination perpetuate divisions and undermine human rights,” the petition continued.
“These comments reinforce harmful stereotypes that threaten social progress. They create a toxic environment that hinders our collective efforts for equality, diversity and inclusion in society. It is unacceptable that such a public figure uses his platform to promote harm instead of unity.”
