Venus said, “So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” Williams responded, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” Brunson added, “At all. Like, ever.”
The women’s remarks laughter and applause from the audience—an audience that both Butker and his wife, Isabelle, were reportedly sitting in.
Butker later praised Williams, calling her a “great host” and applauded her for “using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics.”
However, he also addressed Williams’ comment about him.
“Sports are supposed to be the great unifier,” Butker said, “and at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”
