Experts are expressing their disapproval over Prince Harry’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award, calling it a significant misstep. U.S. commentator Lee Cohen voiced his strong opinions during an interview with GBN America, describing the award as a “slap to the face” for a figure as divisive as Prince Harry in both the US and the UK.
In his interview with Nana Akua, Cohen highlighted the widespread sentiment against the nomination, stating, “To the point where Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, expressed that Harry should not accept the award at all.”
Cohen further elaborated on the controversial nature of the award, saying, “What a wincing slap in the face that was. The award was named after an American military hero who gave up a lucrative football career.” He emphasized, “The mother of the hero expressed that Prince Harry was too controversial and divisive an individual, and they felt that he conflicted with the spirit of the award.”
Cohen pointed out that the backlash against Harry’s acceptance is due to his contentious reputation. “So you can see in the spilling over of that, that Harry may not be the best asset to any charity, being as he’s viewed by the public, by the American public and by the British public as divisive and controversial,” he concluded.
This reaction underscores the broader public sentiment that Harry’s controversial status makes him an unsuitable recipient for an award honoring someone who embodied unity and sacrifice. The criticism from figures like Cohen and the comments from Mary Tillman reflect the complexities and sensitivities involved in associating public figures with certain honors and the potential fallout from such decisions.