Prince Harry has faced backlash over his recognition as the Pat Tillman Award for Service recipient at the 2024 ESPY Awards. The award, slated for Thursday, July 11 in Los Angeles honors individuals making exemplary contributions depicting their eagerness to serve, carrying on the legacy of former NFL player and US Army ranger Pat Tillman. The awarding body honored Prince Harry this year in recognition of his efforts in giving hope to injured army veterans through the Invictus Games.
However, since the announcement last month, many have slammed the decision, including the late Pat’s mom Mary Tillman. Amid the backlash, many criticized the Duke of Sussex for being undeserving of the award. Some claim the recognition was orchestrated to earn the Sussexes positive PR. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also weighed in, insisting Prince Harry should have “graciously turned down” the award. According to her, his refusal to do so despite the backlash would result in bad publicity. It has also been described as a clear symbol of his [Harry] “desperate need for attention.”
The Pat Tillman Awards Gears Up for Most Controversial Night Yet
Amid prevailing backlash and speculations of his decision to “turn down” the award, Prince Harry’s press team recently voiced their stance on the issue. Speaking to US Weekly, the team revealed they have offered no “guidance on this matter.” They also debunked the ongoing speculations attempting to dissect Harry’s thoughts, noting that everything published so far about Harry’s feelings “have been purely speculative and without merit.”
With the official confirmation from Prince Harry’s press office that he had no plan to turn down the Pat Tillman Awards for Service, the 39-year-old would most likely attend the show tonight, and accept his award.
Expectedly, this would not sit well with most royal fans and sports enthusiasts. Explaining her aversion to Prince Harry receiving the service recognition at the ESPY Awards, Pat Tillman’s mom, Mary Tillman shared,
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
Meanwhile, ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation as well as previous recipients of the Tillman Awards for Service has defended Prince Harry amid the backlash. In their statement, ESPN explained the decision to honor Prince Harry for “the work of The Invictus Games Foundation” which promotes healing “through the power of sport.” They commended the Duke’s contributions so far, reiterating that his cause was indeed worth celebrating. With the numerous petitions to have the awarding body reconsider its decision clearly falling on deaf ears, the ESPYS just might experience its most controversial award season yet at tonight’s event.
