Prince Harry is grappling with a significant decision amid the Espy Award controversy.
The prince has been nominated for the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the upcoming ESPY Awards, scheduled for July 11th and hosted by Serena Williams. However, growing backlash has led to speculation about whether he will attend the event in person. Jack Royston, Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent, reported on Sky News that the controversy might cause Harry to reconsider his attendance. Newsweek reached out to Harry's representatives for comment but has yet to receive a response.
The situation has been challenging for Harry, who was initially nominated for the Pat Tillman Award, an honor recognizing individuals who embody the legacy of Pat Tillman—a former American football player who left his career to serve in the military and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. The Pat Tillman Foundation, which co-created the award with ESPN, supports veterans and their families through scholarships. Despite the foundation's endorsement, Pat Tillman's mother has voiced her opposition to Harry receiving the award, arguing that Harry is too privileged and controversial. She believes the award should go to an unsung hero within the veteran community, someone without Harry's fame, resources, or connections.
Despite these objections, ESPN announced on June 28th that Prince Harry would receive the award for his work with the Invictus Games, which provide a platform for the rehabilitation of wounded, sick, or injured servicemen. Critics argue that Harry's acceptance of the award undermines the spirit of sacrifice that the award represents, given his privileged background and the commercial success of the Invictus Games, including a profitable Netflix deal. Royston noted that Harry's attendance at the ceremony hasn't been publicly confirmed yet. The backlash has led to questions about whether Harry will attend the ceremony in person.
Entertainment expert Mark Borman told Newsweek that it might be a good idea for Harry to attend with his wife, Meghan Markle, to align themselves with a positive cause. However, this approach might only reinforce the perception that their appearances are more about gaining positive publicity than genuine support for the causes they promote. The high-profile nature of the ESPYs and the controversy surrounding Harry's award make this an important moment for the prince. Attending the ceremony could expose him to further criticism, while choosing a more diplomatic route, such as sending someone else to accept the award on his behalf, might mitigate some of the backlash.
Adding another layer to the controversy, an insider has claimed that Harry insisted on bringing Meghan to the ceremony, thinking it would work better if they both received the award, even though it's meant for him alone. Meghan reportedly eagerly searched through her wardrobe for an outfit to stand beside him, perhaps even to introduce him. This insistence on Meghan's presence suggests that Harry may feel that he can't manage without her support. ESPN and the awards group are likely hoping this idea fades away, as Harry's desire to have Meghan accompany him might complicate the already tense situation. The prince's decision to attend the ESPYs with Meghan could further fuel the perception that their appearances are more about personal branding than sincere dedication to the causes they support.
