‘We don’t need you’: Serena Williams goes viral for four-word slap down at ESPYs

Serena Williams went viral at the ESPYs with a four-word slap down of a controversial NFL star, who has since responded.

Serena Williams said women “don’t need” Harrison Butker to celebrate women’s sports.

The tennis legend made the comment Thursday night at the ESPY Awards alongside her sister Venus Williams and actress Quinta Brunson.

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The Kansas City Chiefs kicker drew criticism when he delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College that included encouraging female graduates to embrace being a “homemaker.”

“You can enjoy women’s sports, just like any other sport, because they are sports,” Venus said.

Serena gave her response about Butker while barely able to control her laughter.

Serena appeared to be laughing as her sister was reading off the teleprompter and then delivered a direct message at Butker, who was in the Dolby Theater audience for the awards show.

“Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you,” Serena said looking right into the camera and eliciting laughter and applause from the crowd.

“At all … like ever,” Brunson added.

Serena took aim at Butker. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Butker has divided the world. Photo by Unique Nicole / AFP

Butker released a statement saying Williams was a “great host” but didn’t use the “opportunity” for good.

“I thought Mrs. Williams was a great host and applaud her for using her platform to express her beliefs on a variety of topics,” Butker told NBC Sports.

“Sports are supposed to be the great unifier. And at an event dedicated to celebrating a diverse group of men and women who have accomplished great feats, she used it as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”

Williams’ jab got a positive reaction from the crowd and went viral.

Butker remained unapologetic for his speech when he made another public appearance a couple of weeks later, saying it was “not people, but Jesus Christ who I’m trying to please”.

Williams hosted the ESPYs. Photo by Unique Nicole / AFP

Butker at his day job. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

But Butker’s comments drew fierce backlash, being branded as “sexist” and “misogynist” in nature.

“For the ladies present today … 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,” he said during the address.

“How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? 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.

“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today and able to be the man that I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.”

However, not everyone disagrees with Butker’s views as his jersey sales have since skyrocketed on NFL Shop and many in the media remain split about the speech.

This story first appeared on Fox News and was republished with permission.

Originally published as ‘We don’t need you’: Serena Williams goes viral for four-word slap down at ESPYs