CONTROVERSY: Harrison Butker slammed for mistaking Taylor Swift lyrics in commencement speech: Harrison Butker’s controversial commensment speech has sparked an intense online debate

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker found himself at the center of controversy following his commencement address at Benedictine College earlier this month.

The speech, delivered at the private Catholic liberal arts college in Kansas, contained remarks that many found contentious, including comments on Pride Month, abortion rights, and women’s roles During his speech, Butker quoted the lyrics “familiarity breeds contempt” from Taylor Swift’s song “Bejeweled” off her album Midnights.

Swift’s fans were quick to point out that the context of the song did not align with the tone of his speech. As McKenzie Hopson David, a fan of Swift, highlighted on social media, “Bejeweled” is about a successful woman asserting herself, a sentiment that clashed with Butker’s remarks on traditional gender roles.

“I actually think that Harrison Butker quoting Taylor Swift in his dumpster fire of a speech is hilarious when you consider that the song he quoted (Bejeweled) is about a successful woman telling a mediocre man to step aside so she can shine,” David said on X. The backlash was immediate and intense. NFL fans and Swifties alike took to social media to express their disapproval.

Many felt that Butker’s use of Swift’s lyrics was not only out of place but also indicative of a misunderstanding of the song’s message. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Instagram account was flooded with snarky comments, particularly from women criticizing Butker’s views on their “abilities as a woman.” Butker did not back down from his comments. In a subsequent speech at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, hosted by the Catholic hybrid homeschooling organization Regina Caeli Academy, he defended his earlier remarks.

“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker stated, emphasizing his commitment to his beliefs despite the criticism. The NFL responded to the controversy by distancing itself from Butker’s views, stating that his opinions do not reflect those of the organization.

This sentiment was echoed by other NFL players, including retired star Jason Kelce. On the May 24 episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce discussed Butker’s comments, noting that while he supports some traditional values, he does not agree with the entirety of Butker’s speech.
His brother, Travis Kelce, who is Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, and has played alongside Butker since 2017, also expressed his disagreement with most of the kicker’s remarks. As the debate continues, Harrison Butker remains unapologetic, standing by his speech and the values he espoused.