When James Smith accepted Glamour’s Woman of the Year award on behalf of his wife one month after her untimely death in 2001, he gave it pride of place in his Long Island home.
However, when news reached him that Caitlyn Jenner was bestowed the same title at this year’s awards, James swiftly returned the accolade to the decision makers at the magazine.
James’s wife Moira, who worked as a firefighter, was awarded the title after losing her life at the age of 38 while rescuing others during the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York City.
Adamant that the latest recipient taints the honour bestowed upon his late wife, Moira’s widower decided he no longer wanted to house the award given to Moira in her death.
Outlining his thought process in a letter to the magazine, James questioned whether the former Olympian and reality television star was worthy of the title, writing: ”I was shocked and saddened to learn that Glamour has just named Bruce Jenner ‘Woman of the Year.”
Questioning the validity of the award on account of its latest winner, James continued: “Was there no woman in America, or the rest of the world, more deserving than this man?”
“At a time when we have women in the armed forces fighting and dying for our country, heroic doctors fighting deadly diseases, women police and firefighters putting their lives on the line for total strangers, brave women overcoming life threatening diseases . . . the list of possibilities goes on . . . is this the best you could do?”
While acknowledging receipt of James' lettter, the magazine have stood by their decision to honour Caitlyn Jenner with this year’s award and maintain that the prize is open to all women, regardless of their background or accomplishments.
Commenting on James’ grievances, a spokesperson for the magazine asserted: “We were proud to honour his wife in 2001, and we stand by our decision to honour Caitlyn Jenner.”
“Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards recognize women with a variety of backgrounds and experiences,” she said.
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