National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman shocked many and caused some controversy when he said the “Katy Perry” chants made towards Anaheim’s Corry Perry weren't sexist.
At a meeting with several reporters and sports editors, The Sporting News’ Jesse Spector asked Bettman whether or not he feared the chants may turn female fans away. Spector also noted that the Pittsburgh Peguins’ Sidney Crosby has been referred to as “Princess Crosby” or even “Cindy Crosby” at times, Wall Street Journal reports.
“You think that’s sexist? Taunting chants aren’t intended to be sexist,” Bettman responded.
Bettman continued to brush of the chants as being sexist by adding that the NHL has a bigger female fan base than any of the other professional leagues. Bettman said the NHL is known for “diversity, inclusiveness and doing the right thing.”
According to the commissioner, the “Katy Perry” chants are no different than calling a goalie a “sieve.”
Sports Illustrated’s Sarah Kwak noted that “sieves don’t have feelings” and questioned how he couldn’t see the taunts as sexist, Washington Post notes.
“I see the point but I don’t think it’s overly literal. Short of gagging everyone who comes to a game I’m not sure we can stifle that,” Bettman responded.
The full transcript of the conversation can be seen here.