CELEBRITY
‘Controversial and divisive’: Prince Harry jeered ahead of Hollywood awards show
The next big awards show in Hollywood might draw more than just fans and photographers.
The ESPY Awards, ESPN’s honors dedicated to the best in sports, will award Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the July 11 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre.
Tillman, a former NFL player who left professional sports to join the military in the months after Sept. 11, 2001, was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
When announcing the selection, ESPN noted Prince Harry served 10 years in the British Armed Forces and has championed his Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded veterans.
But that in itself shouldn’t be enough for the award, according to Tillman’s mother, Mary, who told the Daily Mail that there are “far more fitting” people who deserved to be recognized more than the “controversial and divisive” Harry.
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,” she said.
In a statement to KTLA, ESPN defended their selection of Prince Harry.
“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
Despite ESPN’s defense, online petitions calling for a new Pat Tillman Award winner have garnered tens of thousands of signatures, and ESPN personality Pat McAfee said the network is “just obviously trying to piss people off,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The next big awards show in Hollywood might draw more than just fans and photographers.
The ESPY Awards, ESPN’s honors dedicated to the best in sports, will award Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the July 11 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre.
Tillman, a former NFL player who left professional sports to join the military in the months after Sept. 11, 2001, was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
When announcing the selection, ESPN noted Prince Harry served 10 years in the British Armed Forces and has championed his Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded veterans.
But that in itself shouldn’t be enough for the award, according to Tillman’s mother, Mary, who told the Daily Mail that there are “far more fitting” people who deserved to be recognized more than the “controversial and divisive” Harry.
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,” she said.
In a statement to KTLA, ESPN defended their selection of Prince Harry.
“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
Despite ESPN’s defense, online petitions calling for a new Pat Tillman Award winner have garnered tens of thousands of signatures, and ESPN personality Pat McAfee said the network is “just obviously trying to piss people off,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation did not respond to a request for comment from NBC.
With 10 days until the ceremony, it remains to be seen if ESPN will change tack, but as things currently stand, sports luminaries may be hearing jeers along with cheers as they enter the ceremony.
-
CELEBRITY2 months ago
Breaking News: Kim Kardashian has announced that she is pregnant with Travis Kelce’s child. According to sources, Kardashian made the announcement during a private event, leaving many in disbelief and Taylor Swift is…. See More
-
CELEBRITY2 months ago
Breaking news: Suri Cruise 18-year-old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, spotted crying on phone while out and about in New York, after she got a call that her mother Katie Holmes and estranged father Tom Cruise has been….See more
-
CELEBRITY2 months ago
Congratulations: Kylie Jenner, 27, is engaged to boyfriend Timothée Chalamet I, 28, after the Actor recently threw his fiancée Kylie Jenner a LAVISH Surprise Party for her birthday and also announce they are expecting a… See More
-
CELEBRITY3 months ago
UNEXPECTED ANNOUNCEMENT: Travis Kelce Announces Retirement from Kansas City Chiefs Due to His…..
-
CELEBRITY3 months ago
News Update: Kim Kardashian Criticizes Simone Biles’ Gold Medal Win: ‘She Doesn’t Deserve It – All She Did Was Nonsense and Simone Biles Response was…Read More
-
CELEBRITY7 months ago
Travis Kelce sends a clear message to Kim Kardashian, Kayla Nicole, and others with a bold move
-
CELEBRITY4 months ago
Jonathan Owens gifts shocking present to Simone Biles ahead of 2024 Olympics Games
-
CELEBRITY3 months ago
SHOCKING REVELATION:Simone Biles said in an interview, “I was 3 years old when my daddy started introducing me to… see more