'The View' Co-Hosts Slam Kansas City Chiefs Kicker's Catholic Faith Over Commencement Speech

'The View' co-hosts criticized Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's Catholic faith, calling it "cult-like" and "extremist," and recommending that he seek therapy. The controversy stems from Butker's recent commencement speech at a private Catholic college in Kansas, in which he promoted traditional Catholic values and criticized the LGBTQ community and President Biden.

"The View" co-hosts have launched a scathing attack on Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's Catholic faith, triggering a wave of backlash and criticism. The controversy erupted after Butker's commencement speech at a private Catholic college in Kansas, in which he expressed his traditional Catholic values.

Co-host Sara Haines led the charge, labeling Butker's views as "cult-like" and "extremist," and comparing them to "religions in the Middle East and Asia." She accused the athlete of using his faith to "oppress people or hold them down," and suggested that he seek therapeutic guidance.

"This is a very extreme religion," Haines asserted, referring to Butker's adherence to the Traditional Latin Mass, a form of the Catholic mass that was celebrated prior to 1970.

Joy Behar mockingly suggested that Butker had "mother issues," while Alyssa Farah Griffin accused him of exploiting his faith to make political statements. Griffin also criticized Butker's remarks about his wife being a homemaker, sarcastically declaring, "What a remarkable privilege."

Sunny Hostin, another co-host, took issue with Butker's stance on the LGBTQ community, arguing that Pope Francis has been more supportive of LGBTQ individuals. Hostin also defended abortion rights, which Butker had criticized in his speech.

The backlash against Butker's speech has been swift and severe. The Kansas City Chiefs have distanced themselves from his views, stating that they do not align with the organization's commitment to inclusion.

A public petition on Change.org, signed by nearly 110,000 individuals, demands that the Chiefs dismiss Butker for his "discriminatory remarks." The petition accuses Butker of engaging in "sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist" rhetoric.

Amidst the chorus of criticism, co-host Whoopi Goldberg has emerged as a voice of reason, defending Butker's right to express his beliefs. Goldberg emphasized the importance of respecting differing views, even if one does not agree with them.

"Listen, I like when people say what they need to say," Goldberg stated. "He’s at a Catholic college. He’s a staunch Catholic. These are his beliefs and he’s welcome to 'em."

Butker's speech has sparked a wider debate about the compatibility of traditional Catholic values with progressive ideologies. Critics argue that Butker's views are out of step with modern society, while supporters contend that he is simply exercising his right to religious freedom.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between religious beliefs and societal norms, as well as the challenges faced by individuals who hold dissenting opinions in an increasingly polarized society.