Prince Harry's nomination for the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY's led to a whirlwind of reactions from both fans and detractors of the rebel Duke.
This led showbiz and royal expert Kinsey Schofield to share: "Harry left a life of service to chase fame, to chase money in Hollywood."
"This [Pat Tillman] was a man that truly lived a life of service which is what Harry and Meghan promised us when they left the British royal family," she added. "So a lot of people are having a hard time putting these two men in the same category."
She continued: "I mean, I think that the Invictus Games is an incredible cause but it's a cause, if we're going to be honest, that was created under the royal family umbrella this is not Prince Harry's and Prince Harry's alone."
Tragically, Tillman was killed in action on April 22, 2004, in Afghanistan. Initially reported as a result of enemy fire, it was later revealed that his death was caused by friendly fire, leading to significant controversy and investigations. Harry began his military career the following year and served an entire decade before retiring for royal duties in 2015 — he met Meghan the following summer.
Tillman's own mother spoke out about the scandalous prince receiving the honor and said: "There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community who 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."
Former NFL player Pat McAfee contended that nominating Prince Harry does not align with the award's original purpose, which is meant for individuals deeply involved in sports and who have served others in a manner reflective of Pat Tillman's legacy as a former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger killed in action in Afghanistan.
The ex-punter turned sports commentator also raised concerns about the selection process surrounding the nomination.
"A lot of conversation about Pat Tillman's name," McAfee stated. "American hero... Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world because that is somebody who is the definition of selfless."
He then pointedly continued: "It's going to Prince Harry, who I don't even think is a prince anymore."
McAfee's co-host, Boston Connor, quickly replied that he thought the nod was "probably the most embarrassing thing I've seen in my entire life."
"When you do something like this, you know the immediate reaction from humans and sports fans and like people with common sense and brains is going to be like: 'Hey, don't be putting our f------ guy with that guy [Harry],'" McAfee responded.
"I don't know anything about him except for the South Park episode and what I've learned from The Crown," he further revealed.
Daily Express reported on Schofield's remarks.