Patricia Heaton Defends Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech: ‘He’s Not a Monster’

the Everybody Loves Raymond alum, 66, said that she doesn’t understand the controversy that followed in the wake of the Kansas City Chiefs kicker’s comments on May 11 at Benedictine College.

“I don’t understand why everybody’s knickers are in a twist,” Heaton said in her post on Saturday, May 18. “He gave a commencement speech. The audience applauded twice during the speech and gave him a standing ovation at the end, so clearly they enjoyed what he was saying.”

Heaton continued, “The guy is espousing his own opinions and Catholic doctrine, um, so what? It’s his opinion. He can have one. He’s allowed. He’s not a monster for stating what he believes.”The actress added that Butker “went after bishops much more than he went after women” in his speech, which has since gone viral for the athlete’s disavowal of the LGBTQ+ community, working women, abortion rights and more.

In his address, the Georgia native spoke directly to the female graduates in the audience, warning them about the “diabolical lies” that he said they have been told.

“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” he said.The Emmy award-winning actress argued that she was able to succeed on both fronts. “I am a Catholic woman who worked through my kids’ childhood and I believe that God opened those doors for me and thankfully it was a schedule that allowed me to be a full-time mom basically,” she said.

Heaton’s comments come days after other public figures — including