Patricia Heaton, the star of the beloved sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” has taken to social media to voice her support for Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
The 28-year-old NFL player recently found himself at the center of a controversy following his commencement address at Benedictine College, where he expressed views that some on the left deemed offensive.
In a video posted on her Instagram account, the 66-year-old actress questioned the outrage surrounding Butker’s comments.
“I don’t understand why everybody’s knickers are in a twist,” Heaton said.
She pointed out that the audience at the commencement ceremony applauded Butker twice during his speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end, showing that they appreciated his message.
Everybody just calm down! pic.twitter.com/Sfk0IdcSCy
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) May 18, 2024
Heaton emphasized that Butker was simply expressing his own opinions and adhering to Catholic doctrine, which he has the right to do without being labeled a “monster.”
During his speech, Butker addressed various politicized topics, including abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and euthanasia, which he attributed to “bad policies and poor leadership.”
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However, his most controversial remarks were directed at the female graduates of the Benedictine Class of 2024.
Butker suggested that while some women may pursue successful careers, the majority would find their true calling in marriage and motherhood. He referenced his own wife, Isabelle, as an example, stating that her life “truly started” when she began living her vocation as a wife and mother.
As a Catholic woman who successfully balanced her career with raising her children, Heaton shared her own perspective on the matter.
She believes that God opened doors for her to have a fulfilling career while still being a dedicated mother.
Although her life choices may differ from Butker’s ideals, Heaton finds nothing offensive about his statements, acknowledging that he is entitled to his opinion, just as she is to hers.
Heaton encourages people to respect one another’s choices and not take offense when others express differing viewpoints.
“If you have made choices in your life and you feel those are the right choices and you’re comfortable and they’re working out for you and your family, great. And if they’re different from his, that’s great. You do you. He’ll do him and his family. Relax everybody,” Heaton remarked in her video.
The actress’s support for Butker comes amidst a growing debate surrounding the kicker’s speech.
After winning three Super Bowls, Harrison Butker pointed to his wedding ring and said it’s the most important ring he's ever received.
Feminists wish a man would brag about them to this degree.
They’re all miserable because they can’t attract a man’s loyalty and commitment. pic.twitter.com/aKUfyb2Y2F
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) May 19, 2024
The “woke” NFL, through its senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, has predictably distanced itself from Butker’s views.
Beane stated, “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.”
So next time an NFL player gets busted for beating his wife or committing some other form of crime you can assume, unless they issue a statement, that those things are more in line with what the NFL supports.
Listen to Harrison Butker's full commencement speech at Benedictine College. The people who are trying to cancel him are lying about what he said. They don't want you to hear this. pic.twitter.com/VPZ748MII6
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) May 19, 2024
