**Los Angeles, CA** – At the 2024 SB Awards held last night, tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams, accompanied by comedian Quinta Brunson, delivered a powerful message advocating for respect and equality in women’s sports, while also addressing recent controversial remarks made by public figures.
Serena Williams, who hosted the event, was joined on stage by her sister Venus and Brunson for a special segment celebrating the growing prominence of women’s sports, particularly acknowledging basketball star Caitlyn Clark’s impact this year.
During the segment, the trio discussed appropriate terminology when referring to female athletes, emphasizing terms like “competitor” and “champion,” while explicitly condemning derogatory language. Serena Williams stated, “Call them whatever you want, just don’t use a ‘b’ word. Yeah, never use a ‘b’ word. You know who you are.”
This remark was widely interpreted as a reference to a recent incident involving ESPN commentator Pat McAfee, who used inappropriate language while discussing Caitlyn Clark, for which he later apologized on social media, admitting his mistake.
However, the Williams sisters and Brunson didn’t stop there. They also addressed Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, who faced backlash earlier this year for controversial remarks made during a commencement speech. Butker’s comments were seen as disparaging towards the LGBTQ+ community and traditional gender roles.
Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Quinta Brunson collectively stated, “Enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports. Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.”
Butker, present at the awards ceremony, did not show any visible reaction to the statement directed towards him.
In a contrasting moment at the awards, Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The decision to honor him sparked controversy, with Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, publicly expressing reservations about the choice. During his acceptance speech, Prince Harry acknowledged the Tillman family, particularly Mary, stating, “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.”
He continued, “This award belongs to the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.”
For more highlights and coverage of the 2024 SB Awards, visit th.com.
This article highlights the impassioned statements made by Serena and Venus Williams, along with Quinta Brunson, underscoring their commitment to advocating for respect and inclusion in sports, particularly women’s sports. It also touches upon the recognition of Prince Harry at the awards, amidst other notable moments from the evening.