In a twist that blends sports, culture, and business, Elon Musk has thrown his weight behind Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker whose recent speech has ignited a firestorm of debate. Known for his bold presence in the tech world and his frequent ventures into public discourse, Musk voiced his support on Twitter, staunchly defending freedom of speech and backing Butker’s right to express his personal views.

Harrison Butker’s provocative speech at Benedictine College in Kansas stirred the pot by tackling hot-button issues like abortion, LGBT Pride, and what he called “degenerate cultural values.” His remarks, which also took aim at the current administration and supported traditional gender roles, polarized opinions and sparked a heated debate across social media and among public figures. A petition demanding his removal from the NFL quickly amassed nearly 160,000 signatures.

Elon Musk’s tweet, “I stand with Harrison and freedom of speech,” amplified the conversation and highlighted the Tesla CEO’s unwavering support for unfiltered expression. Musk, no stranger to controversy himself, framed his endorsement of Butker as a principled stand on the First Amendment.

The NFL, distancing itself from Butker’s statements, clarified that his views were his own and did not represent the league. This position reflects the league’s broader strategy to navigate the tricky balance of personal expression within a corporate structure, striving to maintain neutrality in an increasingly divided social landscape.