Fans have been buzzing about a video allegedly showing Prince Harry receiving a cold shoulder from tennis legend Venus Williams at the ESPY Awards. The incident occurred during the glitzy Los Angeles ceremony where Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award.
The Snub
As Prince Harry confidently strode to the podium, the camera dutifully scanned the star-studded audience. Suddenly, it landed on Venus Williams, who was seated in the crowd. To the surprise of many viewers, Williams appeared to be smirking or smiling during the prince’s speech.
This fleeting expression was immediately seized upon by the ever- watchful celebrity media and online commentators. Was Venus Williams mocking or disrespecting Prince Harry? Had the notoriously competitive athlete taken exception to something the royal had said?
Shades and Side Eyes
Royal fans have accused Venus of “shading” Prince Harry. Some claim she gave the couple a major “side eye.” One commentator quipped, “Are they still b*** hurt that Venus and that whole front row shaded Harry? The video was even crystal clear.” Another remarked, “Loved seeing Venus giving Harry and Megsie the ‘side eye’-no standing ovation or clapping.”
Venus’s Perspective
Others defended Venus, suggesting that perhaps she had her reasons. “If Venus didn’t agree with Harry getting the award, that was her right not to clap,” one person pointed out. Another added, “Harry must feel the disgust emanating from Venus.” Some even speculated that Harry and Meghan intentionally ignored Venus during the event.
Pat’s Family reaction
Pat Tillman also remained seated, her expression described as cold and glazed.
Pat Tillman’s mother was notably absent from the event. The situation has raised questions about Harry’s actions and his wife’s judgment. Critics argue that even if Harry believed he was accepting the award on behalf of others, he should have been more sensitive to the impact on Pat’s family.
-Mary Tillman, the fallen NFL star- turned-veteran’s mother, said she was ‘shocked’ her son’s award would go to ‘such a controversial and divisive figure’
Meghan’s Friendship with Serena
Meghan Markle’s close friendship with Venus’s sister, Serena Williams, adds another layer to the story. The two met at a Super Bowl party in 2010 and quickly hit it off. Serena became a mentor to Meghan, offering advice on handling the paparazzi and international media. When Meghan became pregnant, Serena provided parenting guidance.
No Direct Connection with Venus
Interestingly, there doesn’t appear to be any direct connection between Meghan, Harry, and Venus beyond their friendship with Serena. Despite this, the ESPYs incident has sparked intrigue and fueled discussions about royal dynamics.
Prince Harry’s Moving Speech
During his acceptance speech, Prince Harry emphasized unity and touched on the “eternal bond” between mother and son-a nod to Mary Tillman and his own late mother, Princess Diana. Venus Williams, captured on camera, seemed captivated by his heartfelt words.
In the world of rovals and sports icons, every glance and gesture becomes a topic of fascination. Whether Venus’s actions were intentional or not, they’ve certainly kept fans talking.
