Prince Harry is set to receive the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards in Hollywood on July 11th.
However, the decision has sparked significant backlash. The award, named after the late NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, is meant to honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service. Many believe Harry is not a suitable recipient, leading to public outcry and a petition calling for ESPN to reconsider the award.
The controversy began when news broke that Prince Harry would receive the award, honoring his work with the Invictus Games. The Invictus Games, founded by Harry, are an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. While Harry's military service and philanthropic efforts have been praised, his recent actions and public statements have overshadowed these achievements for many.
Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, has been vocal in her opposition to Harry receiving the award. She expressed her shock and disappointment, stating, "I'm 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 who are doing tremendous things to assist veterans." Mary Tillman's sentiments are echoed by many Americans who argue that the award should go to someone who embodies Pat Tillman's values of selflessness and dedication to service.
A petition launched on June 27th by New Jersey resident Patty McKell has garnered over 68,000 signatures. The petition argues that the award should honor someone who, like Tillman, has shown unwavering dedication to the country and their comrades. Patty McKell's petition states, "Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude." This sentiment is shared by many petition signers who have left comments expressing their disapproval of the decision to honor Harry.
One signer, Rebecca, contrasted Harry's actions with Pat Tillman's, saying, "Pat Tillman gave up a luxurious lifestyle in the NFL to fight for this country. Harry gave up a life of service for his own gain. He's not on the same level." Another signer, C.C., criticized Harry's comments about the United States, noting, "Pat Tillman died representing our country, protecting our freedom. Harry's come to the United States and doesn't appreciate the First Amendment, saying it's 'bonkers.' Pat Tillman deserves better than this. No Harry, no." A signer named Sheila held a sign that read, "We want privacy," referencing a South Park episode making fun of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. She said, "We all know you're trying to fix your PR, Harry. We'll give you your privacy."
Royal commentator Michael Cole also weighed in on the controversy, acknowledging Harry's accomplishments but questioning the appropriateness of the award. "We know that Prince Harry did a great job in setting up the Invictus Games. He served nobly in Afghanistan, but a lot of people have been saying, 'Where is the service of Prince Harry?' He's turned against his commander-in-chief, his father, and said unkind things about the Princess of Wales and his brother," Cole said. Cole suggested that Harry should consider declining the award to avoid further controversy. "I would say that he should either politely decline the award because it's so controversial, or he should not accept it in person because we don't want to see him being booed."
Despite the backlash, the ESPY Awards, hosted by Serena Williams, a close friend of Meghan Markle, are set to go ahead with Prince Harry as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
