Caitlyn Jenner’s ESPY Speech: The Lovers and The Haters

Caitlyn Jenner made her first major public appearance since her recent transition on ABC’s ESPY awards in her acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which she was awarded.

Caitlyn Jenner gave what many are calling a powerful and inspiring speech, telling the audience ““Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect,” Jenner said [1]. “If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is, I can take it,” she said. “But for the thousands of kids out there, coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.”

While many applauded Jenner’s speech, which she gave to an audience of not only the ESPY’s guests (which included 9 out of her 10 children), but also to the 7.7 million viewers watching [1], not everyone was thrilled.

“Friday Nights Light” Director Howard Eskin tweeted insensitive tweets that some applauded, while others criticized:

 

Others, however, applauded Caitlyn Jenner, with her ex-wife Kris Jenner commenting [3] “I think it was amazing and very brave. I think she looked beautiful.”  Others agreed:

 

 

 

While the debate still rages on, director Howard Eskin ended up apologizing for his insensitive remarks towards Caitlyn Jenner, tweeting:

Sources:

[1] http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/caitlyn-jenner-receives-espy-award-courage-n392911

[2] http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/ratings-espy-awards-soar-on-abc-cbs-big-brother-steady-1201541579/

[3] http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Kris-Jenner-Caitlyn-Jenner-ESPY-Awards-Speech-37918607