“We don’t need you,” Serena said to Butker, after highlighting the year in women’s sports.

Venus and Serena Williams — alongside Quinta Brunson — stood up for female athletes at the 2024 ESPY Awards, taking a jab at Harrison Butker in the process.

In a light-hearted exchange on stage, the tennis legends and the much shorter Abbott Elementary star made some humorous observations about this significant year for women’s sports, before directing a pointed remark at the Kansas City Chiefs kicker.

“There are a lot of firsts this year,” Brunson said. “The Texas Rangers won their first World Series, and the Florida Panthers snagged their first Stanley Cup.”

Serena chimed in with a witty comment: “And, according to sports media, this is the first year ever that women played basketball.”

The trio celebrated the “incredible year in women’s sports”, sharing tips on how to truly appreciate them, including rooting for standout athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

“So, enjoy women’s sports just like any other sport,” Venus said with enthusiasm.

Serena humorously added: “Except you, Harrison Butker, we don’t need you.”

Brunson followed with a deadpan delivery: “At all, like, ever.”

Although Butker attended the event and walked the red carpet, the camera didn’t cut to his reaction during these comments. His recent controversial remarks during a commencement speech in May, critiquing topics such as the LGBTQ+ community, working women, and abortion rights, have drawn much backlash from celebrities and the NFL community.

Venus and Serena also took the opportunity to poke fun at their own sibling rivalry during their time on stage.

“Imma let y’all in on this, ESPN actually asked me to host this year,” Venus confided to the audience. “I said ‘No,’ I’ll let my little sister go ahead and host.”

Serena, after changing outfits for the umpteenth time, returned to the stage with a playful grin.

“What are you doing here?” she joked. “I thought I made it clear, this is my night!”

The ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Don’t miss it!