Caitlyn Jenner presented a rousing speech while accepting ESPYS courage award on Wednesday night.
But all was not as it seemed.
Accusations have been made that the award was rigged and Jenner's rep asked ESPN to give her the award in exchange for PR plugs for her new show and an upcoming interview with Diane Sawyer.
In an emotional speech, Jenner, 65, urged respect for transgender people.
The former Olympic gold-medal winner said she hoped to "reshape the landscape of how trans issued are viewed," and asked other sports stars to join her in "making this one of your issues".
Her speech received a standing ovation.
Now, Radar Online is reporting that Jenner was never meant to receive the prestigious award.
Instead, her agents approached ESPN, which is owned by Disney like Sawyer's ABC, "and they suggested that she receive the Arthur Ashe award," a source is quoted as saying.
"It was a brilliant move because the executives at ESPN loved the idea, and immediately began making sure it got done. Caitlyn's journey to accepting the award will also be featured on her upcoming reality show, I am Cait."
"There was a hiccup during the talks about Caitlyn receiving the award, and her reps were prepared to pull her interview with Diane Sawyer if she didn't get it," the source said. "It was ironed out, and ABC owns one of the biggest stories of the year."
Reps for Jenner and ESPN have yet to comment.
Fairfax Media
