In a recent development, actress Patricia Heaton has publicly expressed her support for Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who has been the subject of controversy following a commencement speech he delivered at Benedictine College.
The speech, which touched on a variety of subjects including abortion, women's choices, COVID-19, and President Biden, has sparked outrage among some members of the public.
In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, Heaton defended Butker, stating, "I dont understand why everybody's knickers are in a twist. He gave a commencement speech. The audience applauded twice during the speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end, so clearly they enjoyed what he was saying."
She further emphasized that Butker was merely expressing his personal beliefs and Catholic doctrine, adding, "The guy is espousing his own opinions and Catholic doctrine, um, so what? Its his opinion. He can have one. Hes allowed. Hes not a monster for stating what he believes."
Heaton also pointed out that Butker's criticism was directed more towards bishops than women or their choices, leaving her puzzled by the backlash.
The primary cause of the controversy was a section of Butker's speech where he encouraged the graduating women to embrace their "vocation" as a "homemaker." This statement was met with widespread criticism.
Heaton, however, found nothing offensive in Butker's words. "I am a Catholic woman who worked through my kids' childhood, and I believe that God opened those doors for me," she said. "And thankfully, it was a schedule that allowed me to also be a full-time mom basically."
The star of "Everybody Loves Raymond" further stated, "I find nothing offensive about what he said, even though my life is very different, and he might even look at my life and say thats not the way it should be. Thats OK. Thats his opinion."
Heaton concluded her video by urging people to respect differing opinions and choices. "And if theyre different from his, thats great. You do you, and hell do him and his family. Relax everybody."
Butker's speech, which was intended to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, included a specific message for the women present. He congratulated them on their accomplishments and then proceeded to challenge the societal narrative around women's roles.
"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 said. He then addressed the women directly, 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."
Butker continued by acknowledging that while some of the women might go on to have successful careers, he believed that many were excited about their future marriages and families. He credited his wife, Isabelle, for his own success, stating, "Im on this stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation."
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