Venus Williams Allegedly Snubbed Prince Harry At 2024 ESPYs: Here's Why Fans Think So
Venus Williams seemingly snubbed Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, according to some social media users.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 32nd annual ceremony of the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 11. The tennis champ was seated beside her mom. Her sister, Serena Williams, was also in attendance and was the host of the event.
However, many felt that Venus snubbed Prince Harry. In the clip obtained by Page Six, when the Duke of Sussex was called on stage to receive the Pat Tillman Award, the crowd, including his wife, Meghan Markle, stood up to give him a standing ovation. However, Venus remained seated and did not even clap her hands. The outlet, however, noted that after a few seconds, when the royal was already on stage, the former athlete also stood up and joined the audience.
A photo of Venus on her seat, staring at Markle, who gave her husband a standing ovation, made the rounds online. The picture sparked rumors that she shaded the Invictus founder.
"Venus is not standing and not clapping. She knows this is a bought award," the caption read.
"I'm loving Venus at the moment. But let's be honest. Should any wife LEAD the standing ovation for her husband? Especially if she's in the front row? And is Meghan doing this for Harry? It seems more performative to draw attention to herself," one commented.
Another speculated, "Wow, this picture tells a story! I don't think she likes Meghan."
"Looks like Venus, [her] mom and people around them didn't stand either ....I guess the monitors told people to stand, but they chose not too (sic), well done to them all, good to see those with real integrity," another user opined.
However, some also defended Serena's sister. According to them, Venus was probably not aware that the people behind her also stood up to give Prince Harry a standing ovation.
"A lot of people are not standing -- everyone else probably just felt pressured to," someone pointed out.
Another tweeted, "Lots of people not clapping?"
A source told Page Six there was "no story" there because, eventually, she joined the crowd.
"You can see in the video she stood up to show her support," the tipster said.
Meanwhile, Serena playfully addressed the Sussexes' presence at the event. She jokingly warned them she didn't want to be "overshadowed" when she acknowledged them.
"Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let's give it up for them," Williams said, per People. "But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight. Because this is my night, and I don't want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen, okay?"
