Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article contained incorrect information. Mary Tillman did not attend the 2024 ESPY Awards show.
Prince Harry took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday to accept an ESPN award named in honor of Pat Tillman, despite objections from Tillman’s mother, Mary.
During his acceptance speech for the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs, the Duke of Sussex mentioned Mary Tillman.
“Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” he said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Mary Tillman expressed frustration with the choice in an interview with the Daily Mail last week.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting,” she said. “There are individuals working in the veteran community doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
“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.”
A petition on Change.org gathered more than 75,000 signatures in protest of Prince Harry’s selection.
Prince Harry is a 10-year military veteran with two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.
He was credited with creating the Invictus Games for wounded or injured veterans in 2014.
“The truth is,” he said, “I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman award recipient, but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
“This award belongs to them, not to me.”