Eddie Vedder addressed Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s recent controversial remarks about women’s role in society during Pearl Jam’s Las Vegas performance Saturday. He praised the night’s opening act Deep Sea Diver’s Jessica Dobson and Patti King.
Then, the guitarist said of Butker:
“You know, the irony was that this football player, kicker — you see the kicker because he doesn’t have the pads because he doesn’t tackle anybody or get tackled. But, you know, he was telling men, ‘Don’t forget to puff up your chest and be more masculine. Don’t lose your masculinity.’ The irony was that when he was saying that, he looked like such a f— pussy.”
He continued:
“There’s nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman. And people of quality do not fear equality. And that woman, Jessica, she’s not fronting a band, playing in Las Vegas and being on tour because she decided, ‘Yeah, I’ll just take the back seat and support a man.’”
The NFL Player Caused Controversy
Butker’s comments came during a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas. He congratulated the women graduates but suggested they were fed ‘diabolical lies’ about their future:
“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.”
The kicker also praised his wife, Isabella, for choosing to be a homemaker. The NFL later responded to his statements and clarified that his opinions do not reflect the views of the organization. Chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said:
“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.”
You can check out Eddie Vedder’s full comments in the video below.