Open in App
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Newsletter
  • New York Post

    Did Venus Williams snub Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPYs?

    By Eric Todisco,

    18 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kyApO_0uSMguYL00

    Is Venus Williams fed up with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Not so fast.

    Some fans think the tennis superstar, 44, snubbed the Sussexes at the 2024 ESPY Awards last week when Harry, 39, was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

    In a ESPN video from the event, Venus initially remained in her seat and didn’t clap for Harry as he was called to the stage. Later in the clip, however, Venus is seen standing next to Markle, 42, during Harry’s speech.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Ar473_0uSMguYL00
    Prince Harry wins an award at the 2024 ESPYs. ESPN
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3HpWl7_0uSMguYL00
    Meghan Markle cheering for Prince Harry. ESPN
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2YcWQu_0uSMguYL00
    Venus William doesn’t stand for Prince Harry. ESPN

    Despite her support, some viewers took to social media to react to the moment.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity depends on these two things as A-list support is slim: expert

    “I don’t blame her. He made the award a joke,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

    “I would not get up for Harry either!” another person said .

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=09Bwbc_0uSMguYL00
    Venus Williams at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Getty Images
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2thCm3_0uSMguYL00
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Getty Images for W+P

    Someone else tweeted , “Venus knows what’s up.”

    A different person wrote , “She stood eventually, but out of duress because they all ended up standing.”

    “No claim whatsoever! It’s there perfectly on video for all to see … Venus sees straight through Markle’s facade,” another tweet read .

    Venus’ sister Serena Williams, an ESPYs host, is best friends with Meghan. She was at the Sussexes wedding in 2018.

    Prince William makes ‘tough and resolute’ stand on Prince Harry after royal feud: He ‘commands respect’

    Serena, 42, also poked fun at the couple and accused them of overshadowing her appearance.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2lMesQ_0uSMguYL00
    Serena Williams with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPYs. Getty Images for W+P

    “Please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” the athlete joked on stage, adding, “This is my night and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”

    Harry and Markle were seen smiling after Serena made the remarks.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0N1Rg3_0uSMguYL00
    Serena and Venus Williams at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Variety via Getty Images

    The award Harry won is named after Pat Tillman — the ex-NFL player who enlisted in the US Army after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.

    Many objected to Harry being named as the recipient of the award, including Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER

    “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail last month. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. Individuals are working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=13HoGE_0uSMguYL00
    Prince Harry wins the Pat Tillman Award For Service. AP
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0gMGjJ_0uSMguYL00
    Mary Tillman. Tribune News Service via Getty Images

    Harry was rumored to have considered declining the coveted recognition, but he ultimately decided to accept it .

    Former royal butler Grant Harrold exclusively told The Post that Harry did so to “stand up for what he believes in.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1dPgRO_0uSMguYL00
    Pat Tillman. AP

    “I thought he was going to decline it because that’s just his nature, but maybe Harry has got to a point where he’s just decided he’s going to do what he wants and as I said, because of his military background and because of the Invictus Games, it’s something he feels really passionate about,” said Harrold.

    “He’s accepting the award on the behalf of military personnel, so in a weird way he probably sees it as his duty to accept it,” Harrold added.

    Despite the backlash, Harry mentioned Mary in his speech. “[Mary’s] advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” he said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”

    For the latest in entertainment, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/entertainment/

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Most Popular newsMost Popular
    Daily Mail19 hours ago

    Comments / 0