The 2024 ESPYs are shaping up to be one of the most controversial and anticipated awards shows in recent memory. Tennis legend Serena Williams, who was slated to host the event, has put her foot down: she will not take the stage unless the organizers make one major change to the lineup. Williams has made it clear that she will not serve as host if Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is in attendance and set to receive an award.
A Host’s Ultimatum
Williams’ stance has sent shockwaves through the entertainment and sports worlds. The Duke is scheduled to be honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ceremony. The Pat Tillman Award is given to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. According to ESPN, Prince Harry is being recognized for his tireless work in making a positive impact on the veteran community through the power of sport.
However, Serena Williams wants no part in presenting an award to the controversial royal. A source close to the tennis star said, “Serena has made it crystal clear: if Harry is there to accept an award, she’s not hosting. She wants nothing to do with him being celebrated at the ESPYs.”
A Long-Standing Feud
The animosity between Williams and Prince Harry appears to stem from a long-standing feud that dates back several years. In 2019, Williams was featured in the September issue of British Vogue, which was guest-edited by Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife. Many perceived this as an attempt by the Sussexes to leverage Williams’ star power for their own gain. Williams, who has been outspoken about issues of race and social justice, was reportedly furious that the Vogue cover ended up being more about Meghan than the actual subjects.
There were also rumors that Meghan and Harry expected special treatment and access that Williams did not feel comfortable providing. The relationship seemed to deteriorate further after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Williams, who is close friends with Oprah, was put in the awkward position of having to choose sides. While she did not explicitly criticize the Sussexes, she also did not rush to their defense.
Drawing a Line in the Sand
Now, with Prince Harry set to receive one of the highest honors at the ESPYs, Serena Williams is drawing a line in the sand. She views the royal’s inclusion as a stain on the legacy of the award show and the memory of Pat Tillman.
Tillman famously gave up his NFL career to serve in the military, where he was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004. “Serena respects what Pat Tillman stood for and the sacrifices he made,” the source said. “She doesn’t feel Prince Harry, with his privileged background and lack of true real-world military experience, is deserving of that award. It’s a slap in the face.”
A Dilemma for the Organizers
ESPYs organizers are in a difficult position. They want Serena Williams to host the show and bring her star power, but they also do not want to back down from honoring Prince Harry, who has become a darling of the liberal Hollywood elite in recent years.
“It’s a rock and a hard place for the ESPYs,” the source explained. “They know Serena is the perfect host to bring excitement and ratings to the show, but they also know that caving to her demands and disinviting Harry would be a PR nightmare. They’re really stuck between a royal and a hard place on this one.”
Representatives for both Williams and Prince Harry have declined to comment publicly on the brewing controversy. However, it’s clear that the tension is building, and a resolution will need to be found in the coming weeks before the show is set to take place.
Potential Compromise
Some have speculated that a potential compromise could be for Prince Harry to attend but not receive the award in person, with a pre-taped acceptance speech shown instead. This may appease Williams and allow the ESPYs to move forward with their planned honoree.
Regardless of how it plays out, the 2024 ESPYs are shaping up to be must-see TV. With Serena Williams’ hosting status in jeopardy and Prince Harry’s controversial inclusion, sports and entertainment fans alike will be glued to their screens to see how this high-profile clash plays out on the world stage.
A Legacy at Stake
The controversy surrounding the ESPYs highlights the delicate balance between honoring legacy and navigating modern celebrity dynamics. For Serena Williams, the decision to potentially step down as host underscores her commitment to the principles she believes the Pat Tillman Award represents. For Prince Harry, the award is a recognition of his efforts to support veterans, yet it also brings to the fore the complexities of his public image and the scrutiny that follows his every move.
As the date of the ESPYs approaches, the organizers face mounting pressure to find a solution that respects both Williams’ and Harry’s contributions while maintaining the integrity of the awards show. The resolution of this issue will not only impact the ceremony itself but also set a precedent for how such conflicts are handled in the future.
In the end, the 2024 ESPYs will be remembered not just for the awards given but for the controversy that tested the values and resolve of those involved. Whether Serena Williams hosts or Prince Harry accepts his award, the true measure of the event will be in how it navigates these turbulent waters and the message it sends to the world about honoring true service and sacrifice.