In a surprising turn of events, Disney has decided to withdraw Prince Harry‘s nomination for the prestigious Pat Tillman Award after a staggering 360,000 people signed a petition against it.
This move has left the Duke of Sussex feeling quite bitter and has ignited a heated debate about his suitability for such an honor.
The controversy began when a blind item surfaced on Deux Moi, suggesting that Disney was re-evaluating Harry’s nomination due to troubling allegations regarding his destruction of evidence.
With Disney holding an 80% stake in ESPN, the implications of this decision could be significant.
Many people believe that Harry’s nomination should be reconsidered not just because of these allegations, but also due to a broader sentiment that he simply does not deserve the accolade.
Critics have pointed out that honoring Harry for his service is ironic given his apparent neglect of his own charitable commitments.
For instance, he has been accused of turning his back on the people of Los Angeles, raising questions about his dedication to community service.
Awarding him for service feels akin to recognizing someone for being a good sibling or child, despite failing in those roles.
Moreover, Harry’s abandonment of his duties to the Royal Marines has not gone unnoticed.
He often portrays himself as a victim after losing his military title, yet the media largely overlooks this hypocrisy.
Royal commentator Angela Levin highlighted the significance of the military in Harry’s life, but she stopped short of criticizing his failure to step up when it mattered most.
It appears that Harry is more interested in the prestige associated with his military uniform rather than embracing the responsibilities that come with it.
The narrative surrounding his nomination raises eyebrows, especially considering the connections between the Pat Tillman Foundation and Meghan Markle.
Marie Tillman-Shenton, the widow of Pat Tillman, is not only a co-founder of the foundation but also has ties to Markle.
Living in Chicago, she recently attended a fundraiser for Lurie Children’s Hospital alongside Genevieve Hillis, a college friend of Markle’s.
Their social circles overlap significantly, which is noteworthy in a city as intimate as Chicago.
Marie is a successful businesswoman and activist with a background that could benefit Markle’s brand.
Previously, she owned a children’s clothing store that mirrors the Birchbox model—a concept Markle has shown interest in.
This connection becomes even more intriguing with Markle’s recent trademark filing for “Tig Tots,” a venture that hints at her desire to sell curated children’s clothing.
There’s a possibility that the Pat Tillman Foundation might align with Markle’s Archwell Foundation, potentially receiving grants that would enhance her brand’s legitimacy through association with reputable figures like Marie Tillman.
Joe Shenton, Marie’s husband, also serves on the board of Lurie Children’s Hospital, further intertwining these influential networks.
ESPN initially chose Prince Harry for his commendable efforts in positively impacting the veteran community via the Invictus Games.
However, this rationale hasn’t quelled the dissent.
A petition urging ESPN to rethink their decision has gained traction, citing Harry’s controversies as a significant reason for their reconsideration.
The growing backlash stems from allegations of his destroyed evidence and perceived neglect of his charitable duties, casting doubt on his merit for such a distinguished award.
Critics argue that his actions starkly contrast the spirit of the Pat Tillman Award, which honors individuals who exemplify service to others and have strong ties to sports, much like Pat Tillman himself.
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