ESPY Awards triggers fresh backlash after teasing Prince Harry’s appearance to accept Pat Tillman award for service.

Tillman, an American football star who gave up a multi-million dollar contract to enlist in the US Army after 9/11, had his life tragically cut short at just 27 when he was killed by friendly fire while serving in Afghanistan in 2004.

‘Tonight was made for royalty,’ the caption of the promotional video posted on Instagram read.

‘Join Prince Harry Duke of Sussex, Quinta Brunson, & a special performance by Ciara at the #ESPYS .

Users on social media didn’t hold back when expressing their outrage.Unbelievable. What a joke,’ commented a user.

Serena Williams – a close friend of Meghan Markle – will host of this year’s ESPYs.

She posted a promo on her X account of her satirically warming up her voice next to a sign that reads ‘Quiet Please.’

The caption read: ‘No one tells me what to do/ tune in tomorrow… to watch me host the ESPYS!’

Some users are speculating that the only reason Prince Harry is getting an award is because of a ‘quid pro quo’ deal between Williams and the Duke.