Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder had a few choice words for NFL player Harrison Butker after he kicked up an absolute shitstorm with his controversial speech at a graduation ceremony earlier this month.
Vedder called the Kansas City Chiefs kicker a "pussy" after the pro athlete told the women at Benedictine University they had been fed “diabolical lies” about having successful career, urging them to instead focus on being 'homemakers'.
Meanwhile, he told the blokes to “be unapologetic in your masculinity” and “fight against the cultural emasculation of men”.
As Rolling Stone reported, the rock legend took aim at Butker during Pearl Jam's gig in Vegas over the weekend, where he also praised musicians Jessica Dobson and Patti King from the band's opening act, Deep Sea Diver.
“[They] must not have believed that ‘diabolical lie' that women should take pride in taking a backseat to their man,” he said.
He took a jab at Butker’s masculinity comments, calling it ironic because Butker is a kicker in the sport of tacking and taking on knocks.
“The irony was that the football player, the kicker doesn’t have the pads because he doesn’t tackle anybody or get tackled,” Vedder said. “But [Butker] was telling men: ‘Don’t forget to puff up your chest and be more masculine. Don’t lose your masculinity.’
Vedder pointed out that homemaking is a tough and important job that both men and women should be proud of, but added that everyone should chase their dreams.
We're stoked the legend and Pearl Jam are headed to our shores later this year, with the incredibly talented support of the 'Pixies'.
“The irony was that when he was saying that, he looked like such a pussy.”
For more ticketing and gig info, check out our event page HERE.
