In a recent twist involving both royal and sports gossip, questions have emerged regarding Serena Williams allegedly leveraging her influence to secure the Pat Tillman Award for Prince Harry at the ESPY Awards.
This theory, examined by Steph from the Alterer, suggests that the speculation might be more than just idle chatter. The theory traces back to a blind item posted by Royal Sage on Twitter, which implied that Serena Williams made Harry's award a precondition for her hosting the ESPYs. Gossip from Hollywood insiders bolsters this claim, hinting that Serena, who reportedly doesn't have a close relationship with Meghan Markle, might have used her sway to benefit Prince Harry.
The blind item from Secondhand Coke further claimed that Serena insisted on Harry receiving the award as a condition for her participation, prompting questions about what leverage Meghan might have over Serena to secure such a favor.
Rumors of a strained relationship between Serena and Meghan circulate widely, with Hollywood circles buzzing about the tennis star's alleged lack of fondness for Meghan. Additional details from Secondhand Coke, shared by Royal Sage, indicated that this gossip originated directly from Hollywood. It was noted that Serena's insistence on Harry receiving the award was a critical factor in the decision.
The narrative also highlights a curious disconnect between the Sussexes and ESPN, with Serena allegedly serving as the link in this award controversy. Adding to the intrigue, a report from Page Six revealed that Pat Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, was not informed about Prince Harry receiving the award. In previous years, Mary Tillman and her family had been notified about the award recipients, such as the Buffalo Bills training staff, who were honored for their heroic efforts in 2023. The exclusion of Mary Tillman in Harry's case raises further questions about the selection process.
Network insiders assert that Mary Tillman is not involved with the Pat Tillman Foundation, which assists ESPN in determining honorees. However, other sources maintain that Mary and her family were typically updated about past honorees, but not about Harry. This inconsistency fuels speculation about Serena's alleged involvement in securing the award for Harry.
Royal Sage and other commentators, such as the prominent YouTuber Lady C, suggest that Serena and her husband exerted pressure on ESPN to award Harry. Lady C's claims align with Hollywood rumors, adding another layer to the ongoing debate. Additionally, a petition against Harry receiving the award has garnered significant support, with over 54,000 signatures reflecting public disapproval. The petition questions the appropriateness of awarding Harry, suggesting that his divisive and controversial nature makes him an unsuitable recipient.
In response, the ESPYs defended their selection of Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award, citing his military service as a forward air controller and Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. ESPN praised the Invictus Games Foundation for its dedication to enhancing the mental and physical well-being of wounded servicemen and women through sports.
Shortly after the ESPYs announcement, Mary Tillman expressed her surprise to the Daily Mail, stating that Prince Harry does not merit the award intended to honor her son's legacy. "I'm surprised that they chose such a contentious and polarizing figure to receive the award," she said, adding that she was not consulted about the recipient selection beforehand. NBC News reports that Mary Tillman highlighted the efforts of individuals working in the veteran community who are doing tremendous work to assist veterans, often without the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has.
