Eddie Vedder has called Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker a “fucking faggot” after the NFL player expressed his belief that women are better off staying home rather than pursuing a career.
The Pearl Jam singer gave a lengthy speech during his band's concert in Las Vegas on Saturday (May 18) in response to Butker's now-infamous commencement speech at Benedictine College last weekend. Beginning his remarks, Vedder praised Pearl Jam's opening act, Deep Sea Diver.
“Singer Jessica and keyboardist Patti shouldn't have believed that 'diabolical lie' that women should take pride in taking a backseat to their man,” Vedder said, quoting a line from Butker's speech.
He went on to say that “there should be pride in housework, whether you are a man or a woman,” which he described as “one of the hardest jobs,” before questioning “the logic” of Butker's statement.
Vedder then pointed out the irony that a kicker who “doesn't have the pads because he doesn't tackle anyone or get tackled” is telling men not to lose their masculinity. “The irony was that when he said that, he looked like a fucking faggot,” he said. “There is nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman.”
Speaking of irony, Butker quoted Taylor Swift during his speech, in which he told men to “not regret their masculinity” and advised women to ignore the “diabolical lies” they had been told.
“Some of you may go on to have successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that most of you are more excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” Butker said, before using his wife. as an example. “Isabelle's dream of having a career may not have come true, but if you asked her today if she regretted her decision, she would laugh out loud without hesitation and say, 'Hell no.'”
Pearl Jam is currently on the first North American leg of its world tour in support of its new album, Dark matter. Get tickets here.
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