ESPN Responds to Backlash for Giving ESPY Award to Prince Harry | THR News

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.
To learn more about this story:
www.hollywoodr...
►►Subscribe for more entertainment news: thr.cm/dwtPxG2
►► See our latest videos: thr.cm/syLedfw
About: The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is the entertainment industry's flagship media brand, offering in-depth reporting, analysis, unparalleled access, world-class photography and video, and feature exclusives in its award-winning weekly magazine and dynamic website. The Hollywood Reporter also boasts prestigious live events, industry-leading philanthropic, empowerment and diversity initiatives and hugely successful video series.
Connect with The Hollywood Reporter Online:
Visit the website: thr.cm/MgwCFl9
Likes us on Facebook: thr.cm/ngIBL8l
Follow us on Twitter: thr.cm/2S875k7
Follow us on Instagram: thr.cm/cDQoWQd
#ESPN #PrinceHarry #THRNews
ESPN Responds to Backlash for Giving ESPY Award to Prince Harry | THR News
The Hollywood Reporter
/ hollywoodreporter

[@SuzanneJaser]

The petition is going very well. However the only way to make ESPN take notice is to BOYCOTT ESPN!

@@lostwoods5687 What does that have to do with anything?? NOTHING! #SugarFail

[@AbernathyDonovanDunlap]

​@@lostwoods5687, you mean like the dozens of people who didn't have Henry David's wealth or privilege?

[@aksnowberry]

I dont have a problem boycotting ESPN!! There are other channels I would go to.

[@lynetteewhitelyn3246]

Definitely DONT WATCH

[@nadiaoreilly5928]

Agree, its a disgrace.

[@ceciliaM17256]

ESPN and Harry know at least 53 thousand people think they are lower than dirt and the award now means nothing! Pat Tillman will always be a hero a man who loved his country a put his life on the line for it.

[@rolandhawken6628]

I am sure Tillman would be the first to see the joke and say " Well if you can't take a joke you shouldn't have joined "

[@MatildaWhite-ob7vb]

Shame on ESPN. I stand with Mary Tillman.

[@shhhaua9426]

This ain’t about her or her son !!

[@nadiaoreilly5928]

Yes it is, harrys a traitor and non deserving of an award,grifters as always.have respect for the people like mary tillman there true heros.

[@shhhaua9426]

@@MatildaWhite-ob7vb yeah stand and watch this Thursday July 11 8 pm ET on ABC Harrry receiving his Award !!! 😂😂😂😂

[@shhhaua9426]

@@nadiaoreilly5928 oh yeah well too bad go cry in the corner coz he’s getting this award !! 😂😂😂

[@nadiaoreilly5928]

@@MatildaWhite-ob7vb so what it means nothing anymore another thing ruined by hazard and megain.

[@64y59]

Why isn’t ESPN honoring the Wounded Warrior Games????

[@davewoods24]

Exactly!

[@lauraragazzi464]

I'm so sorry for Mary Tillman. Not only has she lost a son, but now she is obliged to see harry disrespect Pat's memory and has to bear the sussex squad's aggressions.

[@thechancellor3715]

Rather than Harry and Invictus games, which by the way, he admitted stealing the idea from US Warrior Games, shouldn't the Tillman Award go to the US veterans who started Warrior Games. Seems fair more fitting that an American Ranger, American Warrior Games for American wounded veterans be awarded this honor. ESPN has gone Bud Light, but even worse hiding behind the flag. Just disgusting.

[@IvyDare1997]

You mean ESPN responds to having sold the Award for the right price 😂😂😂

[@hannahdaki4117]

Yes very funny we heard it before from royal fans like you. Old boring news. Still they rise. Harry and Meghan

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

I am glad that Harry is recognized for his merits and that people more important than you raise their voices to defend the honor of the Duke of Sussex. Life is Beautiful.

[@Laura-lc2io]

It would be very hard to find less deserving creature. And how can they do it against Pat's mom's will is beyond me...

[@lostundgefunden8023]

@@hannahdaki4117uh…..no. Mr and Mrs Rachel Meghan Markle-Engelson bought this award, its obvious

[@VeronicaTaylorPME]

ESPN sold The Pat Tillman Legacy award of courage to a spineless lost cause

[@Edward-i7u4s]

Shame on you ESPN

[@user-jt3qb4mw2b]

Shame on ESPN. They are disgusting.

[@daidavies6210]

Boooo this Guy Loudly when he accepts this Award …..

[@davewoods24]

harry turned his back on his duty to the country, to the people of the UK and to his family. He has been proven to be a liar many times over. He has attacked the First Amendment while living in a country he was not born in. The Invictus Games was a joint royal endeavour which was given to harry to give him something to do, so he has not done anything with distinction or anything heroic. It is an insult to the memory of Pat Tillman and to those Americans who remain the unsung heroes. Shame on the selection committee.. It is clearly an incestuous choice.

[@anneharton5013]

Money for setting up came from Prince William and yet harkles never acknowledge it. They make it look like they did it all.

[@kpatrolia]

I hope ESPN goes down. That channel will never be watched in my house.

[@CherylSutton-rk4eh]

If they want to honor the Invictus organization, Prince Harry should not be singled out as he is only a figurehead used to promote the games. Why not honor the veterans who work tirelessly within the organization.

[@twittertwice]

You seem to know nothing about award programs or real life for that better. A few people would have taken the time if Harry were not attached to the Invictus games. That is simply a reality and because you don’t like Harry does not mean that it is not true.. He has worked relentlessly and deserves to be honored.. the fact that a bunch of screechy white blondes, who hate that he married a woman of color are whining about this is beyond ridiculous. People have no idea how you look to the rest of the world..

[@txkitkat1307]

As a RF member he should give an award & not receive one.

[@multioptioned]

Ex royal. He can't perform any royal duties like giving awards since he voluntarily quit the royal family.

[@mopthermopther]

He is a prince in the same sense that Dr Pepper is a doctor

[@carolkaye3512]

Best comment. Need we remind the the wee prince spent most of his time playing video games in the bunker hence the nick name Bunker Harry. He was also taken away so he wouldn't get drug tested.

[@BombshElle_7]

😮

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

​I am glad that Harry is recognized for his merits and that people more important than you raise their voices to defend the honor of the Duke of Sussex. Life is Beautiful.

[@carolkaye3512]

@@sabinamolinelli3618 what have you been smokin

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

@@carolkaye3512 Oh. I'm very sorry but I don't smoke. You're going to have to go somewhere else to look for... cigarettes? maybe????

[@aksnowberry]

To hell with ESPN! I stand with Pat Tillmans mom!

[@SusanLui-zh1em]

If someone understands the leadership and selfless service, the award should go to the foundation, the teams that make this happen. Not individual. That is what Pat Tillman did, selflessly served this nation for freedom.

[@72jesc]

Just another bought award. Tell me there is NO ONE ELSE who should have received this honor? Shameful

[@Home.allways]

How much did he pay for award.Didnt start invictis didnt have hellicopter licience and if Trump gets in will be thrown out of the country.Also is about to be in trouble for contempt of court if not complient.What a hero

[@elizabetha.morris6661]

In no way does Prince Harry deserve this award.

[@hannahdaki4117]

So who deserves it Prince William? Or Kate Middleton lol

[@elizabetha.morris6661]

@@hannahdaki4117 A stupid response. Royals don’t receive awards. They give them. Obviously someone who has served their country with full distinction.

[@HopeGabrielle592]

​@@hannahdaki4117This is a dumb response. I agree with Elizabeth that someone who served their country with distinction should receive the award. But think about what you just said. Harry is being honored for the Invictus Games, which he started with William and Catherine. So yes, if it was for Invictus, technically William and Catherine SHOULD be honored as well. But knowing them, they will not accept and will prefer if an unknown person was recognized. Harry lacks the same decency.

[@wilburjean8033]

@@hannahdaki4117GarySinese

[@anitagu21]

​@@hannahdaki4117😂😂😂😂😂 Well said. With these haters of Harry all we can do is laugh

[@cmacca-y2h]

Boycott ESPN!

[@josettehoughton8518]

Horrible

[@TheOhmi]

Why is a prince getting an award for a British team? Why not the veterans involved in Wounded Warriors? This is ridiculous…

[@momof2949]

Harry is DINING OUT on the Invictus games, wherever and whenever he can.

[@marlenewolffe4613]

So basically they do not care what their public think

[@BernadetteRipollone-id2hb]

Going to cancel ESPN

[@marlenewolffe4613]

What a joke! ESPN You will go broke!

[@VivianRivera-iy9mt]

No he didn't found it by himself Prince William and Princess Katherine were there also and they gave it to him when he decided he was leaving the British Family Business, for fame and money.

[@hannahdaki4117]

UK bot and troll lol keep moaning

[@janineturkington1764]

They also gave him a very large donation which Megan probably spent on clothes

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

​@@hannahdaki4117Totally agree with you. I Will celebrate Prince Harry's award🎉

[@sandrasimon3041]

Yes he did go to Afghanistan but sat in a bunker Allegedly. No hero IMO

[@maryannhornfeck8222]

Bunker Harry was guarded by other soldiers. They baby sat him while he played video games!

[@SharonDelaneyosen]

The real soldier's that were with him in Afghanistan said he was in the bunker with his Xbox. He had different food to them and they didn't like him . He couldn't pass the test for a pilot licence failed twice I heard. He lives in fantasy land.

[@SUI-AnimoConscii]

Prince Harry needs awards national/international to help him attain a visa.

[@lauriewelsh8554]

I'm with Mary Tillman. I will boycott ESPN and Disney for dishonoring this man's memorial for money.

[@anavasconcelos9168]

Harry doesn't walk the talk, disingenuous and vapid. Pat Tillman deserves better!!! SHAMEFUL!!!

[@christinadoyle1134]

Boycott boycott boycott any thing Harry and that woman he married do for charity get paid big time for charity's he should be giving money not receiving it for his time

[@notsure64]

No award for Creepy Harry

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

I am glad that Harry is recognized for his merits and that people more important than you raise their voices to defend the honor of the Duke of Sussex. Life is Beautiful.

[@penelopegriffin2547]

@@sabinamolinelli3618you are so pathetic. master harkle is a total nobody 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@violetab3750]

@@sabinamolinelli3618you see yourself as less important than others, that is why you support someone like Harry and his wife.

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

@@violetab3750 Ooooh, darlings. I appreciate myself a lot. And by my self-appreciation, in what I am and everything I have achieved. I value work, commitment, determination and never leaving compassion aside. Harry has demonstrated with actions that he has these values and that is why, I and millions of others, see beyond the dogmas of the rancid monarchy. Like me, many people are celebrating Harry's well-deserved Tillman Award.

[@lostundgefunden8023]

@@sabinamolinelli3618Rancid monarchy???? lol Sparry and wife hang on to the Sussex title like its a life raft

[@lynnne007]

Bunker Harry was always protected in Afghanistan hence the name Bunker Harry

[@multioptioned]

Does anyone think members of the royal family are ever actually allowed to be put in harms way? They are given security, they don't provide it! No one would serve near them as they would be too big a target for any enemy military 😂

[@WarblingRobyn]

@@multioptioned Research the Duke of Edinburghs naval career throughout WW2, he had a very successful career that only ended because of the Queens, fathers untimely death.

[@tedda6171]

Is there not an American veteran more deserving?? How much money changed hands?

[@EmmaAgtu]

It looks like espn..joined the The Price is Right game show and won😂😂😂

[@lynetteewhitelyn3246]

DOESNT DESERVE THIS AT ALL. …

[@nd1295]

He and his family use the Invictus Games as a cash cow. There is an investigation. He is also going to be removed as sponsor. His selection was ill considered and should be taken back. How much did they pay for this?

[@pattigorges5878]

What family?? They’ve disowned their family

[@spiritualjax9675]

@@pattigorges5878 The Royal Family have disowned him. His new family, Meghan, Doria and the Sussex Squad are grifting off IG.

[@multioptioned]

Why not award the creator of the original US Warrior Games? No prize for copying someone else's ideas.

[@user-zl9uh7wm9r]

The award should go to Invictus Group and leaders, not the purse carrier for Megnut, since the narcissist’s involvement the purpose has been deviated.

[@MRLONG758]

He created it tho

[@sdmmg5259]

@@MRLONG758nope he didn’t, it was created by royal foundation and given to him.

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

I am glad that Harry is recognized for his merits and that people more important than you raise their voices to defend the honor of the Duke of Sussex. Life is Beautiful.

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

​@@sdmmg5259 You are so lost. It was created by Harry and Harry is the one who took the IG to an international sporting event. The Royals simply watched from a distance.

[@penelopegriffin2547]

⁠@@sabinamolinelli3618 what are you on? Delusional ms markle, mouthing off garbage as usual 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DA-lr3zf]

To the ESPY’s: Sir Keith Mills & Prince Harry started the Invictus Games. Is he invited to the award ceremony at the ESPY’s with Harry? Sir Keith Mills has a true resume of military experience and helping others in need yet you singularly honor Harry with this award? Shame on you! I guess you can’t admit that you made a mistake in picking Harry, the loser that hid in the barracks during combat with his impressive 10 weeks of service. He sure can smile for the camera next to veterans playing games and ask them to give their fake leg a name while recovering in bed. Service/branch for Sir Keith Mills Royal Marines Rank Captain Commands held Royal Marines detachment, South Georgia Battles/wars Falklands War Battle of Grytviken Awards Distinguished Service Cross

[@ABtravel23]

This is insane !

[@cindearbuckle6074]

Why is he even nominated ? he’s not an American..

[@marjb9893]

Harry wasn't the founder of Invictus !

[@ionecutter8319]

Horrifying, this will be Meghan Markle showing off and playing princess. Sad day for the Tillman award

[@tami.hurlck6046]

Founded with the royal family.

[@MV-gq7qc]

Honor the entire Royal Family then

[@OMGitsShrimp]

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games on his own. Stop trying to rewrite history.

[@ethanshusband8913]

Nope! Invictus is all Harry's.

[@tami.hurlck6046]

Do your research.

[@ethanshusband8913]

@@Sfmpg Let's focus on the present day and not the past. ESPN and Mrs. Pat Tilman gave their blessing and that's all that matters.

[@georgeannk7678]

Pat Tillman would want the sports for veterans recovery tokeep spreading worldwide. Keep goingoing

[@penelopegriffin2547]

World wide to honourable people NOT grifters 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gail9906]

No excuses! It cannot happen! 🤬❤️🇦🇺🦘

[@violetab3750]

Giving this reward to a traitor who hates his country and the family he is born into , is a total disgrace! But since him and his wife have no morals, or decency he will accept the reward he paid for!

[@joyfergin3446]

Harry did not found the games. THe RF did and handed this to Harry to be the front person to give him a job.

[@multioptioned]

Wasn't it just a stolen concept copy of the US Warrior Games? Americans should award their own games creators.

[@marsohlala]

@@multioptionedbasically it is a copycat.

[@Sup3rcalifragilistic]

Harry does not deserve this award . Invictus was made possible by the monarchy Harry was not the soul founder . I pray if he goes he gets booed so loud he will be embarrassed .

[@felicitycollins9912]

Harry did not found the IG alone. It was founded by William Catherine and Harry alongside the Ministry of Defence. It was given to Harry to take forward. Since he married MM she has pushed herself forward and made the games about her. It should be about the vets.

[@marsohlala]

She turned Invictus Games into her runway. It became a joke now.😂

[@katimaines4361]

That is horrible! Harry is a washout. All he does is watch Megan wear hundreds of thousands of Dillards of new clothes. I will not be watching espn or espy anymore.

[@CdnMommy3]

But he’s no longer a part of the Invictus game so this doesn’t even make sense

[@MaryMelin]

What has Harry and Megan done to deserve this? They are known grifters and not ultimately responsible for the invictus games

[@roseoconnor1741]

What I don't understand is why more Americans are not upset by the fact this Award is being given to a British Prince and not an American Ex Service Man who fought for America.

[@donna-lee2153]

The invictus games should be the one receiving the award not Harry.

[@NiVi192]

Ok let's separate the art from the artist here: I personally don't understand or support the manner in which Prince Harry has split from the royal family and turned his own life into a toe-curling soap opera. Regardless of that, the impact he's had on wounded warriors sure deserves to be recognized. But I also happen to believe, this kind of recognition comes to soon. The 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games is worth celebrating, just not with that big kind of trophy, which seems to be more of a PR decision by ESPN. Most importantly, I see the point of Tillman's mother that other guiding figures in this society have been working much longer and under very different circumstances: "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 (first)."

[@riley6740]

He’s a Brit. Our awards are for Americans. His stint in Afghanistan was just a reality show. The whole thing was staged.

[@MamaGerry-bo1bu]

Hope everyone stands up at the awards and Boos this hazbeen .so disrespectful to Pat. Shame on you and megs

[@susanhepburn7140]

He DID not iniate the invictus games. Why do the news people keep perpetuating😂 this narrative .

[@myramiller4365]

Prince Harry did not start the Invictus Games it was handed over to him. Prince William put all the money in it.

[@wilburjean8033]

Gary Sienese should get it.

[@bettycrowe797]

I hope people in attendance gets up and walks out at this award.

[@crazylady3829]

Harry did NOT found the Invictus games. It was a joint foundation by William, Catherine and Harry together and William donated a million pounds to start it up. Harry was given the games to give him something to do. Harry is a traitor to the military. He and his wife have taken a vast sum for themselves from donations to Invictus as well as charging hefty fees and expenses, money which should have gone to the veterans. Harry abandoned the veterans to attend the Lion King premier to support his wife’s ambitions where he touted for voiceover work for her. Harry is no hero and certainly not a qualified helicopter pilot. He and his wife just take any award going and he is a disgrace. He is not even an American and has done no service to American sport.

[@bbudacious]

ESPN. Really HOW IN THE WORLD DOES HARRY MATCH with this incredible soldier? This is sad to the family and to Tillium

[@maryannebunch7278]

Seems like only British media is the ones that are disturbed by recognition of Invictus Games. Shame on them for involvement of Pat Tillman p’s mom, who was never involved with the ESPN’s EPSY award prior.

[@Cinderellaoneshoe]

Tell us all about the nominees who he beat out for this. What did they do? I would like to hear how little they must have done. How many were there? Fifty thousand? Zero?

[@marianlainamilan99]

This award should be given to an American NOT a British since Pat Tillman is an American who lm sure are very deserving. To ESPN👎🏻

[@amynickerson4258]

BOYCOTT ESPN!

[@francesbaldwin2526]

Please support Mrs Tillman. Many more Americans deserving. Invictus games was well received by the veterans until he introduced Meaghan Markle to be the one presenting. Downhill from there. There has been a lot of pressure on the Invictus games committee to get Harry to resign.

[@janineturkington1764]

It's because he's a prince and a wimp. There are far more worthy recipients

[@lauraragazzi464]

Shame on ESPN, Harry doesn't deserve this award, he left a life of service to seak money and fame.

[@SusanLui-zh1em]

The Invictus Games story The inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014 used the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women It began on a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013, when Prince Harry saw how the power of sport could help wounded servicemen and women in their recovery - physically, psychologically and socially. His mind was made up. London would host the inaugural Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. He directed his charity, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to deliver the games in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

[@andreamckinney7500]

Of course ESPN will go ahead with the award, they don't don't want to return the bribe money😂😅

[@dremarley4388]

I'm sure Serena Williams probably told ESPN. She willl host as long as they give the Tillman award to her friend's husband

[@PriscillaWhitley]

I definitely stand with Mary Tillman. Was this given to him because like all the others he bought it.

[@wolfspiritsx5]

Surely the mother and family of Pat Tillman have control over the use of his name, and should demand the removal of the Tillman award, as ESPN are disrespecting his name and bringing his name into disrepute by making the award to Ginge, a self-serving attention seeking money grabber etc...., he deserves nothing, he grabs the credit from those who actually do the work Uses Invictus as a personal cash cow

[@susanphillips2221]

ESPN has been thoroughly markled 🍅🤢🍅

[@pathenry3846]

ESPN got this totally wrong

[@shawnatwood4653]

I'm sorry. Is Tillman's mother the CEO of this foundation? Should the recipient each year be chosen based on who she likes? Pfff! I'm sorry, but she is making an ugly show out of an award that should be positive, uplifting, gracious, and respected.

[@MissBurka]

Harry didn't found the Invictus games! This is ridiculous.

[@Manic-bonsai]

He's not HRH anymore, he stepped down and left his family and service. Shameful

[@maureenkirby9648]

The choice made to give the award to to Prince Harry has changed the whole meaning of this special award. As we all know Prince Harry is no War Hero and certainly didn't decline in accempting it.There are true War Hero's so deserving of this special award for what it once stood for!!!

[@MsLotusBlooms]

Pat Tillman's mother is rude. I'm glad the foubdation set her straight.

[@jdog2345]

This makes sense now…Disney….ESPN and on and on.

[@malgorzatachrobak9676]

Shame. Harry is just a patron of Invictus Games.

[@Pikachu-eo3gb]

Gingah Prince was in afganistan with 10 Bodyguards around him. He doesn’t deserve this award. Spo il bra tt

[@jenb.6733]

Ridiculous. Lost respect for the awards

[@morange5769]

They should change the name of the award and get rid of that racist b mouthing off. She has ZERO say in who gets selected

[@ligray68]

He didnt deserve it at all

[@shhhaua9426]

Hahahaha boo to all the UK 🇬🇧 Haters !!!

[@maxi7752]

The spare and useless prince

[@susansmith6737]

Well deserved Prince Harry!

[@yumi5885]

well deserve....the trolls of Prince Harry were burning with hostile!

[@4darlajb]

#hesnohero

[@NadeenNelson07]

Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽. Well deserved Prince Harry.