In a potent rebuttal to the contentious commencement speech made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, Pearl Jam’s frontman Eddie Vedder expressed his disapproval during a concert in Las Vegas on May 18. Butker, who spoke at Benedictine College earlier this month, faced criticism for his remarks on women’s roles in society and his negative commentary on Pride events.
Addressing the crowd, Vedder highlighted the achievements of women in the music industry, referencing the night’s opening act, Deep Sea Diver. The band, led by Jessica Dobson with Patti King on keyboards, exemplified the success women can achieve in their careers, contrary to Butker’s suggestions that women should primarily aspire to be homemakers.
Vedder argued for the value in homemaking regardless of gender, stating, “There should be pride in homemaking, whether you’re a man or woman. It’s maybe one of the hardest jobs and you should definitely take pride in it. But you shouldn’t not follow a dream because you think… you’re going to benefit by giving up your dreams? I couldn’t understand the logic.”
The musician also took a jab at Butker’s comments on masculinity, describing them as ironic, especially coming from a figure in a sport known for its traditional masculine ethos. “The irony was that when he was saying that, he looked like such a fucking pussy,” Vedder remarked, eliciting a mixture of laughter and applause from the audience.
Butker’s commencement speech had sparked outrage with his views on a variety of sensitive issues, including abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and his critique of what he described as “degenerative cultural values” prevalent in the media. He also advised male graduates to “be unapologetic in your masculinity” and warned against the “cultural emasculation of men.”
Vedder concluded his remarks by affirming his support for gender equality, stating, “There’s nothing more masculine than a strong man supporting a strong woman. People of quality do not fear equality.” His statement underscored a counter-narrative to Butker’s divisive views, highlighting an ongoing cultural debate about gender roles and equality in modern society.
