On Thursday’s episode of *Good Morning America*, co-host Robin Roberts found herself in an awkward exchange with ABC News correspondent Stephanie Ramos. 

The discussion centered around Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College. 

Butker, who has earned widespread attention for his views, delivered a speech 

that many deemed offensive, and the segment sparked a tense moment on air.

Ramos began the conversation by reporting on the speech’s reception at Benedictine College, where Butker addressed the graduates.

“In the end, Butker did receive a standing ovation from the graduates and some of the attendees,” Ramos said. 

However, she went on to mention the “mixed reviews in the crowd,” referring to the backlash the speech received due to its divisive content, which included what many perceived as sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist comments.

As Ramos described the incident, Robin Roberts interjected, saying, “Usually, the commencement address is about the graduates, not about your personal views.” This remark seemed to convey Roberts’ disapproval of Butker’s speech, which seemed to prioritize his personal beliefs over celebrating the accomplishments of the students. Roberts’ comment reflected a broader sentiment shared by many, as commencement speeches are traditionally an opportunity for speakers to inspire graduates rather than to push personal agendas.

Ramos, however, responded by pointing out that the school had invited Butker to speak, acknowledging his right to express his views. “I think it’s important to remember also that the school did invite him,” Ramos noted, adding, “He’s made his Catholic conservative views very well known.” While Ramos didn’t appear to directly defend Butker’s controversial opinions, she did attempt to offer some context by reminding the audience that the college had extended the invitation. This defense of Butker’s right to speak drew mixed reactions, especially from viewers on social media.

The tension between Roberts and Ramos heightened slightly when Ramos added, “But you’re right, [it’s] uplifting,” though it wasn’t entirely clear whether she was referring to Butker’s speech or the broader purpose of a commencement address. The choice of the word “uplifting” seemed to strike some as odd, especially considering the nature of Butker’s speech, which many found to be demeaning, especially toward women and the LGBTQ+ community.

The exchange left viewers divided. Some viewers took to social media to express their disbelief at Ramos’ defense of Butker, with one comment reading, “Why is she defending him in any capacity??!!!” Another commenter wrote, “Outrageous. Uplifting? Try degrading,” calling attention to the controversial nature of Butker’s statements, which many considered harmful and offensive.

Butker’s speech included remarks that were widely condemned. In one instance, he congratulated the female graduates but suggested that they were likely more excited about getting married, having children, and staying home to raise them than about pursuing careers. He also made disparaging comments about Pride Month and criticized President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion. These comments quickly went viral and sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the Kansas City Chiefs to release Butker from the team.

Despite the backlash, Butker did receive applause from some attendees, though it’s unclear how many supported him versus how many disapproved. In response to the growing controversy, a petition has been circulating, urging the Chiefs to drop Butker from the team. Butker, a 2017 seventh-round pick out of Georgia Tech, has had an impressive career in the NFL, breaking the Chiefs’ franchise record with a 62-yard field goal in 2022 and earning three Super Bowl rings. However, his remarks have overshadowed his athletic achievements, with many questioning whether his personal views align with the values of the team and its fanbase.

In the wake of the speech, Butker has faced increased scrutiny, and the incident has sparked a larger conversation about the role of public figures in influencing societal norms. As for the *Good Morning America* segment, the exchange between Robin Roberts and Stephanie Ramos illustrated the complexities of addressing such controversial topics in a live broadcast, with differing opinions on how to handle public figures and their influence on sensitive issues. The incident has only intensified the debate surrounding Butker’s remarks, and it remains to be seen how this will affect his future with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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