ESPN Responds to Backlash for Giving ESPY Award to Prince Harry | THR News Video
ESPN is addressing criticism over Prince Harry's upcoming honor during The ESPY Awards. The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS for his work with The Invictus Games Foundation. The Pat Tillman Award for Service honors someone who has used their connection to the sports world to positively impact the lives of others and was named in honor of late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who died during combat in 2004. However, according to the Daily Mail, Tillman's mother was shocked by ESPN's choice to honor Harry.
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00:00ESPN is addressing criticism over Prince Harry's upcoming honor during the ESPY Awards.
00:06The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for service at the 2024 ESPYs for
00:12his work with the Invictus Games Foundation. The Pat Tillman Award for service honors someone who
00:16has used their connection to the sports world to positively impact the lives of others and was
00:21named in honor of late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman who died during combat in 2004.
00:28However, according to the Daily Mail, Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman,
00:31was shocked by ESPN's choice to honor Harry.
00:34I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual
00:38to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals
00:42working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
00:46These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that
00:50Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."
00:54ESPN responded to the criticism, telling The Hollywood Reporter in a statement,
00:58ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex,
01:03specifically for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year
01:08promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the
01:12world. While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award,
01:17the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth
01:22celebrating. Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014. Invictus is a multi-sport event
01:28for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active service and veterans.
01:33For more updates to this story, head to THR.com.
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