At the 2024 ESPY Awards, Serena Williams, while hosting the event at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, took a moment to address controversial comments made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. During a segment celebrating female athletes with her sister Venus Williams and presenter Quinta Brunson, Serena referenced Butker's remarks in a commencement speech at Benedictine College where he suggested that women's primary roles should be as wives and mothers.

Venus began by encouraging the audience to enjoy women's sports, prompting Serena to add, "Except you Harrison Butker," followed by, "We don't need you." Quinta Brunson chimed in with, "At all. Like, ever," reinforcing the point. The reaction from the audience was positive, although cameras did not capture Butker's reaction.

Butker had previously faced backlash for his comments, which some perceived as diminishing the importance of women's professional achievements. Critics like Maria Shriver and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had also voiced their disagreement with Butker's views.

The ESPY Awards moment reignited the controversy, highlighting ongoing conversations about gender roles and the recognition of women's contributions both in sports and society.