Prince Harry stood on the stage at Dolby Theater 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 addressed Mary Tillman, who was present in the audience. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” he expressed. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Mary Tillman had voiced her frustration with the choice in a recent interview with the Daily Mail. “There are recipients that are far more fitting,” she stated. “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are 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 amassed over 75,000 signatures in protest against Prince Harry’s selection.
Prince Harry is a 10-year military veteran who completed two tours of Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. He is credited with creating the Invictus Games for wounded and 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.”