Katy Perry recently took to Instagram to share an edited version of Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Perry shared the edited clip of Butker’s speech at Benedictine College last month, in which he shared his opinions on the LGBTQ+ community and working women. In the edit, Perry changed the speech so it now appeared as if Butker was in support of these groups. “Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays — you can do anything, congratulations and happy pride ?️??️⚧️ ?,” Perry wrote in the caption.
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“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives,” Butker appeared to say in the edited clip. Although the clip used word’s from the NFL player’s speech, the words were heavily edited by changing the order in which he spoke them. “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 the women here today are going to lead successful careers in the world,” Butker continued in Perry’s edit. “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,” he went on the edited version of the address. “The road ahead is bright, things are changing, society is shifting and people young and old are embracing diversity equity and inclusion.” “With that said, I want to say happy Pride Month to all of you,” the edited speech continued, ending with Butker saying. “And congratulations Class of 2024.”
Butker gave his controversial speech on May 11th which immediately received backlash from people all over the world. Following the backlash, the NFL’s Chief Diversity Officer Jonathan Beane said in a statement, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.” Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn added on X (formerly Twitter). “Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members.”