The Sussexes Face Backlash After ESPN Honors Prince Harry
In a recent turn of events, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have found themselves at the center of controversy in the United States. ESPN’s decision to award Prince Harry the prestigious Pat Tillman Award has sparked outrage, particularly from the mother of the late US war hero, Pat Tillman.
The Backlash
A petition demanding ESPN rethink their decision, claiming the Duke of Sussex had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude” has now reached 50,000 signatures.
The petition says “awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
Commenters on the petition expressed outrage, drawing a sharp contrast between Pat Tillman’s selfless sacrifice for duty and country and Prince Harry’s departure from royal responsibilities. Some even accused Prince Harry of prioritizing a “Hollywood dream” over his duty.
Many Americans quickly took to the comments section of the petition to voice their outrage, with one person contrasting the differences between Mr Tillman and the Duke’s Army service.
“Pat Tillman sacrificed his life for duty and country! Harry walked away from duty and country & spit on his commander in chief, country, duty & family on his way out,” they said.
“All for a Hollywood dream! I’m appalled as an American that you would give him this award. It now means nothing!
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said.
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The Background
Pat Tillman, an NFL star, tragically lost his life in action after joining the US military following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. His legacy is honored through the Pat Tillman Award, which recognizes individuals with a strong connection to sports and a commitment to serving others.
Mary Tillman’s Critique
Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, expressed her disapproval of ESPN’s choice to honor Prince Harry. She believes that the award should have gone to someone who truly embodies the spirit of sacrifice and duty. Her sentiments are echoed by many Americans who feel that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s actions do not align with the values they hold dear.
Unpopularity in the US
Royal commentator Nile Gardiner weighed in on the situation, labeling Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as “two of the most unpopular figures in the US today.” Their perceived narcissism and divisive behavior have not endeared them to the American public, especially those who hold the Royal Family in high regard.
Speaking to GB News on Tuesday, royal commentator Nile Gardiner said the renegade prince and his wife Meghan Markle are “two of the most unpopular figures in the US today”.
“Harry and Meghan’s narcissism does not go down very well in the United States and America,” he said.
“Most American people really love the Royal Family, okay. They do not look kindly upon Harry and Meghan trashing them in the United States and does not go down very well.
“They’re very divisive figures, and this award is very, very controversial. There’s a huge backlash in the United States, and it’s an illustration of just how unpopular Harry and Meghan are on both sides of the Atlantic.”
ESPN’s Defense
ESPN, however, stands by its decision. The network cites Prince Harry’s work with the Invictus Games Foundation, an organization that promotes healing through sports for military service members and veterans worldwide. Despite the controversy, ESPN believes that honoring Prince Harry’s contributions to this cause is worthwhile.
The Invictus Games
Prince Harry’s involvement in launching the Invictus Games has been widely praised. These multi-sport, Paralympic-style games provide a platform for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans to compete and inspire others. For Prince Harry, receiving the Pat Tillman Award is a testament to the entire service community.
In conclusion, while opinions remain divided, ESPN’s decision to honor Prince Harry underscores the complexity of balancing fame, duty, and service. Whether one agrees or disagrees, the Pat Tillman Award continues to evoke passionate responses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hot news
Prince Harry faces BARRAGE OF BRUTIAL CRITICISM in the US with Pat Tillman Award, with royal fans fervently advocating for the return of Invictus Games to its ‘true’ founders Prince William and Princess Catherine
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has found himself at the center of a heated debate in the United States after being nominated for the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards. While some applaud the recognition, others question whether he truly embodies the spirit of the award.
The Pat Tillman Award: A Legacy of Selflessness
The Pat Tillman Award is named in honor of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and US Army Ranger who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. Tillman abandoned a lucrative football career to serve his country, and his legacy is one of selflessness and unwavering commitment.
Tillman’s mother’s disapproval
Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, expressed her shock and disappointment at ESPN’s choice. She was never consulted about the decision to give the award to Prince Harry. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she stated, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.” Mary Tillman believes there are more deserving recipients within the veteran community who lack the privilege and resources that Prince Harry possesses.
Pat McAfee’s Critique
Sports analyst and former NFL punter Pat McAfee minced no words when expressing his opinion about Prince Harry’s nomination. He criticized the ESPY Awards for their decision, arguing that it does not align with the award’s intended purpose. According to McAfee, the award should go to someone with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a manner reflective of Pat Tillman’s legacy.
Departure from Royal Duties
McAfee also pointed out that Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties raises questions about his eligibility for the award. “It’s going to Prince Harry,” McAfee quipped, “who I don’t even think is a prince anymore.” The departure from his royal role has left some wondering whether Harry’s current path truly reflects the selflessness associated with the award.
Lack of Due Diligence?
The controversy extends to the ESPY Awards’ selection process. Winners are chosen through global online fan voting from candidates selected by the ESPY Select Nominating Committee. McAfee criticized this process, suggesting that it lacked due diligence. He questioned whether the committee thoroughly researched its candidates before making the nominations.
Fan Reactions
McAfee summed up the sentiment among sports fans succinctly: “Hey, don’t be putting our f***ing guy with that guy.” The immediate reaction from many is one of skepticism, wondering if Prince Harry truly belongs in the same category as Pat Tillman.
Some even require the Invictus Games to be returned to Prince William and Princess Catherine, who they believe to be its ‘true’ founders.
In the end, the debate continues, and the ESPY Awards’ decision to nominate Prince Harry remains a topic of intense discussion. Whether he deserves the Pat Tillman Award or not, the controversy underscores the importance of honoring those who embody selflessness and service in the world of sports.
Hungry-for-spotlight Meghan Markle caught on the spot yelling and calling herself ‘new Princess Diana’
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of drama herself, has apparently been caught screaming that she’s the new Princess Diana. But is she really fit to step into the iconic shoes of the beloved people’s princess? Let’s dive into the drama, the envy, and the audacity that define Meghan’s royal journey.
Well-known royal biographer Tom Bower recently revealed in the book “House of Beckham” that after her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle came to see herself as the “new Diana.”
The Spotlight and the Vegemite Sandwich
According to Tom Bower, our resident Royal gossip digger, Meghan got a taste of the spotlight during her Australian tour and suddenly thought she was the second coming of Diana. It’s like she took one bite of a Vegemite sandwich and decided she was the Queen of Hearts. But here’s the kicker: Meghan was apparently miffed that she was subservient to Kate in the Royal pecking order. Well, excuse me, Your Highness, but that’s monarchy for you. It’s not a democracy where you can campaign your way to the top.
The New Diana? Not Quite
Let’s talk about this new Diana business. Diana was unique. She was special. And frankly, Meghan, you’re no Diana. You can’t just declare yourself the new version of someone else. There’s no princess factory churning out Diana 2.0. But wait, there’s more. Apparently, our Duchess of delusion was also green with envy over Victoria Beckham’s wealth. Marrying into the British royal family and worrying about keeping up with Posh Spice? That’s like winning the lottery and being jealous of your neighbor’s new car.
Hypocrisy and Audacity
Meghan claimed she wanted privacy, yet here she is allegedly screaming about being the new Diana and sulking over the Beckhams’ wealth. The hypocrisy is enough to make your head spin. And speaking of audacity, Meghan flounced off to California with Harry in tow, upset that she’s not as wealthy as the Beckhams. Cry me a river, sweetheart.
Harry: From Cheeky Prince to Puppet
Poor Harry – he’s like a puppet on a string, dancing to Meghan’s tune. He’s gone from being the cheeky, lovable prince to, well, whatever he is now – a shadow of his former self, spouting off about living authentically while his wife apparently dreams of being his dead mother. It’s not just sad, it’s downright creepy.
The Transparent Role
Meghan seems to be playing a role – the hard-done-by royal, the misunderstood Duchess, the voice of a generation. But we can see right through it. It’s as transparent as the Emperor’s New Clothes and about as convincing.
Diana’s Legacy
Diana earned her place in people’s hearts. She worked tirelessly for charitable causes, connecting with people on a genuine level. She wasn’t out there trying to be someone else or competing with other celebrities. She was just Diana. Meghan, on the other hand, is a different story.
The Reverse Cinderella
Diana never chose to leave the royal family. She continued to work for her charities, to be there for William and Harry. Meghan? She couldn’t get out of Britain fast enough. She was like Cinderella in reverse, turning her glass slipper into a pumpkin and high-tailing it back to LA.
Royal expert claims Meghan Markle unlikely to return to the UK with Prince Harry in the near future, despite Prince William and Princess Kate’s invitation.
Meghan Markle’s return to the UK is highly unlikely, claims a royal expert. While Prince Harry is scheduled to visit London in the coming months, Markle accompanying him with their children is not happening anytime soon. Recent reports suggested that Prince William and Princess Kate have been working to mend the royal rift and extended an invitation to the estranged family member, but Meghan declined the request.
Meghan Markle is avoiding a trip to the UK
As confirmed by Harry himself and considering his plans to attend the Invictus Games event in May, the Duke of Sussex will make a quick trip to the UK. Earlier, Harry also expressed his desire to visit his ailing father, King Charles, who has been diagnosed with cancer. While many speculated that Meghan would accompany him to the palace, royal commentator Esther Krakue, in conversation with GB News, suggested that might not be the case.
“I actually think she’s avoiding the UK because she’s not interested in the whole drama and, kind of, being injected, is she going to talk to [Princess] Kate, and all of that.” Esther Krakue told the outlet.
Meghan Markle ‘concerned’ about the safety
Things haven’t been going so well for the royals lately. Court cases, health issues, and the general state of affairs have been off the rails. Meghan is thought to be keeping a low profile due to security concerns after Harry lost a high court case against the Home Office, as well as a desire to avoid further conflict between her and Princess Kate.
“I personally think she’s not going to come because, obviously, Harry has lost his case with the Home Office and he said he doesn’t feel safe bringing his family over [to the UK] and I also think this is going to be a time where distance between the Sussexes and the Royal Family will be calcified because the focus will obviously be on the Princess of Wales and the King recovering, they don’t need the whole Netflix drama.” Claims Krakue.
Prince Harry’s court battle
Harry and Meghan have been residing in the US since they left the UK in early 2020 after announcing their decision to leave the royal family. Earlier this year, Harry lost a legal battle against the UK Home Office and RAVEC at the High Court in the United Kingdom. The Duke wanted to overturn a decision that reduced his security classification after he was no longer a “working royal” due to fears for his own safety and the safety of his wife, Meghan Markle, and two children Archie and Lilibet.
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