Harrison Butker controversy: Pop star Katy Perry posts edited version of Chiefs kicker’s commencement speech

Harrison Butker controversy: Pop star Katy Perry posts edited version of Chiefs kicker’s commencement speech.

Pop star Katy Perry began Pride Month by posting an edited version of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s Benedictine College commencement speech from last month. In the video posted on Perry’s Instagram account, portions of Butker’s speech were spliced together to provide a positive message toward the LGBTQ+ community.

“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment,” Butker said in the highly edited video. “You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you’re going to get in your career? I would venture to guess that the women here today are going to lead successful careers in the world.

“I say all of this to you because I have seen it firsthand. How much happier someone can be supporting women and not saying that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. The road ahead is bright. Things are changing, society is shifting and people, young and old, are embracing diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Perry captioned the post: “Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything.” She also added a clip in which Butker can be heard saying, “I want to say Happy Pride Month to all of you, and congratulations Class of 2024!