Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have criticized Kansas City Chiefs football player Harrison Butker and ordered him to “stop speaking for women” after a controversial speech he gave at Benedictine College.
Butker gave a 20-minute speech last Saturday at the Catholic private liberal arts college in Kansas, where he said men should “fight against cultural emasculation” and that women should be “housewives” instead of working.
During Thursday’s episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, a clip of the moment was played and 42-year-old Jenna reacted angrily as she sarcastically said, “Well, I am where I am today because I have a husband who leans into his calling, which is to be an equal partner, and I tell him that all the time.”
Hoda, 59, then said: “Don’t speak for us! That’s the thing, stop speaking for women out there,” as Jenna continued, “I would just say this: We all have people trying to divide us through labels…stay-at-home people are amazing, the work they doing doing is incredible and let’s not compare one with the other, by a man!’
Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have given their thoughts on Harrison Butker’s controversial speech
Butker gave a 20-minute speech last Saturday at the private Catholic liberal arts college in Kansas
Hoda then noted, “And there are a lot of women who actually want to stay at home, but because they have to earn money, they don’t even have that privilege.
“I think there’s something about someone speaking for… and he may speak for a lot of people, but you can’t speak for everyone.”
Jenna claimed, “I just think that divisive commentary that makes women feel like they’re doing one thing better than another is not what we need,” as Hoda agreed, interjecting, “Women get to decide what they want to do!’
Jenna continued, “None of the choices are easy. Have we learned nothing from America Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie? It’s hard being a woman.
Speaking at Benedictine College, Butker said men should “fight against cultural emasculation” and that women should be “housewives” instead of working.
Today’s hosts were not at all impressed by the football player’s comments
“He hasn’t had the chance to do that yet, so when he comes back in his next life, maybe he can give us a speech about how to live!” she shouted as Hoda started giggling.
Referring to her own husband, Jenna then shared, “But I will say, I wrote to Henry this morning because I got home, I was excited about something, I had a long day at work.
‘I went straight to my sister’s baby shower and then home to Henry. I was on my way home [doing] parenting logistics and things to do with kids, and I came home and I was like, “I’m so upset.”
‘He was stable and solid. I said I felt untethered and “you gave me support and I am so grateful to have you.” And what about that! Women, find the man who will help you get all these things done.”