Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager took issue with men speaking on what women should want during an episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna.
The discussion centered around Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial speech at Benedictine College’s commencement on May 11.
In his speech, Butker addressed the “ladies” present, stating, “I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
He spoke about his wife Isabelle, saying he was “incredibly blessed” that she would “convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: Homemaker.” Butker added that although Isabelle’s dream of having a career might not have come true, she would have no regrets.
On their show, Bush Hager emphasized that her career success is partly due to her husband, Henry Hager, treating her as an “equal.” “I’m where I am today because I have a husband who leans into his vocation, which is being an equal partner, and I tell him that all of the time,” she said.
Bush Hager also highlighted the importance of not comparing different roles, especially not by a man. “People that stay at home are amazing, the work they do is incredible and let’s not compare one to the other, by a man!”
Kotb added, “Don’t speak for us. I think that’s kind of the thing. Stop speaking for women out there. And [Butker] may be speaking for a lot of people, but you can’t speak for everyone. Women get to decide what they want to do.”
The co-hosts praised stay-at-home parents but pointed out that Butker’s stance is a privileged one, as not every household can afford to have one parent stay at home. “It’s an elitist concept to begin with,” Bush Hager said.
Butker’s speech also touched on other controversial topics, including abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and President Joe Biden. He criticized the LGBTQ+ community, describing their pride celebrations as “deadly sins.” Addressing the men in the audience, Butker encouraged them to “be unapologetic in your masculinity” and to “fight against the cultural emasculation of men.”
The NFL later issued a statement distancing itself from Butker’s remarks. “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer said. “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.”
