ESPY Awards organisers explained why multiple nominated athletes did not get invited, largely pinning the blame on COVID-19 protocols and a seat shortage. The event faced criticism on social media after top sportswomen like Aliyah Boston, Nicole Baxter and Dawn Staley objected to the snub.

A statement from ESPN on Wednesday read, “Due to both COVID restrictions and a new venue with much less seating capacity than previous shows, ‘The 2022 ESPYs’ prioritized athlete invitations to focus on specific awards that will be handed out during the broadcast.”

Also Read: ESPY Awards 2022: Why Aliyah Boston ‘declined’ ESPN’s invitation

The statement did not mention why female stars were left out of the guest list. It did, however, read, “We have the utmost respect for Aliyah Boston, Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.”

Gamecocks star Aliyah Boston was later sent a last-minute invite to the event, which is being hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “Respectfully, I declined“, Boston wrote in an announcement.

“It hurt more to see ESPN change course and invite me only after social media caught wind of it”, Boston added, according to reports from Associated Press.

A total of 132 athletes, both male and female, were nominated at this year’s ESPY Awards in individual categories. The Dolby Theatre reportedly has a capacity to seat at least 3,400 people. Hollywood stars like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Lil Wayne and Aubrey Plaza were invited to the event.

How did Aliyah Boston react to ESPN’s justification?

Boston said it’s just the latest example of overlooking a Black woman’s achievements — a move that’s brushed off as a “mistake” or an “oversight.”

Also Read: ESPY Awards ‘non-invite’ list controversy: All you need to know

“Another excuse for why our milestones and accomplishments aren’t a ‘priority,’ this time, even now, 50 years after Title IX,” she said.

Boston’s agent Jade Li-English also lashed out at the response. “Miss me with the COVID excuse and just say you didn’t see the value of having one of the most decorated and dominant players in College Sports — a Black Woman — at your event”, she said.