Katy Perry recently made headlines by sharing a heavily edited version of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's commencement speech, in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
"Over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe," Butker said in a speech at the Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville, presented by the Regina Caeli Academy, a homeschool hybrid academy for Catholic families. "At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion."
The 28-year-old continued, "In my seven years in the NFL, I've become familiar with the positive and negative comments, but the majority of them revolve around my performance on the field. But as to be expected, the more I've talked about what I value most, which is my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I have become. It's a decision I've consciously made and one I do not regret at all."
Find out what stars have said about Butker's speech...
Butker's original comments had sparked controversy, and Perry took it upon herself to rework the speech to better align with her own values and beliefs.
In the original speech, delivered at Kansas' Benedictine College on May 11, Butker made comments that drew criticism from many quarters.
He suggested that most female graduates would be "most excited" about marriage and motherhood, and also spoke out against topics such as abortion and IVF. These remarks were met with a mixed reaction, with some expressing support for Butker's freedom of religion, while others condemned his views as regressive and out of touch.
In response to the controversy, Perry took Butker's speech and created a new version that she felt better reflected her own values. The edited speech splices together some of Butker's words to make it sound as though he is praising women for their future careers, promoting "diversity, equity and inclusion," and offering well wishes for Pride Month.
"Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything," Perry wrote on Instagram on June 1, alongside the edited video. "Congratulations and happy pride."
Perry, who rose to fame after the release of her 2008 debut single "I Kissed a Girl," has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. By sharing the edited version of Butker's speech, she sought to amplify a message of empowerment and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Butker, for his part, addressed the controversy surrounding his original speech during a speech at the Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville on May 24. Defending his Catholic faith, he acknowledged that his beliefs had become the focus of global discussions and had elicited both support and criticism.
"Over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe," Butker said. "At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion."
The NFL player, who has spent seven years in the league, also addressed the impact of his public expression of his faith. "In my seven years in the NFL, I've become familiar with the positive and negative comments, but the majority of them revolve around my performance on the field," he said. "But as to be expected, the more I've talked about what I value most, which is my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I have become. It's a decision I've consciously made and one I do not regret at all."
The controversy surrounding Butker's speech has prompted a range of responses from various public figures. Some have expressed support for his freedom of religion and right to express his beliefs, while others have criticized his comments as being exclusionary and out of step with modern values.
Perry's decision to share the edited version of Butker's speech has also sparked discussion about the role of public figures in shaping and influencing public discourse. As a prominent celebrity with a large platform, Perry's actions carry weight and can have a significant impact on how issues are perceived and discussed in the public sphere.
In the midst of this controversy, it is important to consider the broader implications of public speech and the responsibility that comes with using one's platform to address sensitive issues. Both Butker and Perry have sparked debate and reflection on the intersection of personal beliefs, freedom of expression, and the impact of public statements on diverse communities.
As Pride Month continues, it is clear that conversations about inclusivity, acceptance, and respect for diverse perspectives will remain at the forefront of public discourse. The controversy surrounding Butker's speech serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to promote understanding and empathy in our interactions with others, particularly those whose experiences and identities may differ from our own.
Ultimately, the response to Butker's speech and Perry's subsequent actions underscores the importance of engaging in open dialogue and seeking to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. As we navigate complex social issues and strive to create a more inclusive society, it is crucial to approach these conversations with empathy, openness, and a willingness to listen to diverse voices and experiences.
