Tim Kennedy could also be one of the adorned navy males to ever compete in combined martial arts, however that didn’t cease him from making false claims about his awards over time.
Kennedy competed in MMA for a decade and a half, rising to develop into a middleweight contender in Strikeforce after which the UFC whereas nonetheless serving within the U.S. Military as a Particular Forces sniper. He has a complete whack load of navy medals for his service within the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, together with a Bronze Star.
However he doesn’t have a Bronze Star with Valor, and that’s a giant problem.
The unearned distinction acquired labored into his bio over time till various present and former navy members took problem with it. Kennedy has spent the final six months arguing it was resulting from errors different individuals made itemizing his credentials.
“I would not have, nor have I ever claimed to have, a Bronze Star with V system,” he wrote in an Instagram submit initially of 2025. “I acknowledge that there are a handful of articles on the internet, to incorporate a third-party speech reserving service that annotate that award. I didn’t notice these articles have been on the market, and I’ve taken quick motion to right them.”
However lately an interview popped up the place he clearly claims to have a Bronze Star with Valor, and now Kennedy is apologizing.
“I need to take full and unequivocal accountability for a severe mistake,” he wrote on social media. “Through the years, I made public statements and gave interviews during which I unintentionally misstated features of my navy service. Most notably, I implied instantly or not directly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That’s not true, and there’s no excuse for it.”
“I by no means acquired that honor, and I deeply remorse ever suggesting in any other case. That form of recognition is sacred. It represents extraordinary braveness underneath fireplace acts that threat or value lives. To those that really earned it, and to their households and brothers-in-arms, I supply my honest and direct apology. What I mentioned disrespected your service, and I take full possession of that.”
I need to take full and unequivocal accountability for a severe mistake.Through the years, I made public statements and gave interviews during which I unintentionally misstated features of my navy service. Most notably, I implied instantly or not directly that I had been awarded the…
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) July 9, 2025
“I used to be younger once I stepped into the general public eye,” Kennedy continued. “And whereas I wasn’t ready for the scrutiny or strain that got here with it, that doesn’t absolve me. I ought to have recognized higher. Integrity will not be situational, and I did not uphold the requirements I claimed to signify. To the navy and veteran group, particularly those that’ve served in fight or misplaced individuals they love. I’m deeply sorry. I do know I’ve let lots of you down.”
Kennedy vowed to work exhausting to make up for the error and take accountability for his actions, however it might be too little too late for a lot of veterans who aren’t followers of the previous UFC fighter’s highlight in search of.
“His continued public habits leveraging the uniform, the tab, and the legacy of Particular Forces for private branding stands in direct distinction to the ideas of humility, discretion, and professionalism that outline our Regiment,” a lately retired Command Sergeant Main of the Inexperienced Berets wrote after proof of Kennedy’s stolen valor surfaced.
“This problem will not be being ignored. Applicable actions are underway by way of the proper official channels. The matter is being taken critically, and his continued proper to put on the Inexperienced Beret is underneath formal assessment.”
