Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts had an awkward exchange with Stephanie Ramos when the correspondent mentioned that Harrison Butker received a ‘standing ovation’ following his controversial commencement speech.
During a segment on the ABC breakfast show Thursday, Ramos noted there were ‘mixed reviews in the crowd’ at Benedictine College after the Kansas City Chiefs kicker delivered a now-viral speech that was criticized as ‘sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist.’
“In the end, Butker did receive a standing ovation from the graduates and some of the attendees,” Ramos said.
Roberts then remarked, “Usually, the commencement address is about the graduates, not about your personal views.”
Ramos responded, “I think it’s important to remember also that the school did invite him.” She added, “He’s made his Catholic conservative views very well known.” She concluded with, “But you’re right, [it’s] uplifting,” though it was unclear if she was referring to Butker’s speech or the general purpose of commencement speeches.
RELATED: Student At Benedictine College Speaks Out On ‘Horrible’ Harrison Butker Commencement Address
Ramos, a US Army Reserve Major who served in Iraq, had previously said Kansas City has “a special place” in her heart after she sang the national anthem at a game last year.
One person commented on her Instagram post of the GMA segment, “Why is she defending him in any capacity???!!!” Another added, “Outrageous. Uplifting? Try degrading.”
This comes amid a growing petition demanding the Chiefs release the married father-of-two following his controversial remarks.
During Butker’s speech last weekend, he congratulated the women on receiving their degrees, suggesting they were probably more excited about getting married, having children, and staying at home to raise them rather than establishing their careers. He also criticized Pride Month and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.
The 2017 seventh-round pick out of Georgia Tech has become one of the NFL’s best kickers, breaking the Chiefs’ franchise record with a 62-yard field goal in 2022 and earning three Super Bowl rings.
