Tim Kennedy, a figure known for his dual career as a professional mixed martial artist and a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, has publicly addressed and apologized for fabricating claims regarding a specific military accolade he did not earn: the Bronze Star with Valor.
The admission comes after a popular online channel, hosted by retired Green Beret Nathan Cornacchia, featured a 2017 interview in which Kennedy described a combat scenario and claimed he received the Bronze Star with Valor as a result. This specific award is designated for acts of heroism or meritorious service in a combat zone, requiring direct involvement with an armed enemy – the `Valor` component denotes particular bravery under fire. Kennedy had previously stated he never publicly claimed this award, creating a contradiction highlighted by the unearthed interview.
Following the video`s distribution, the 45-year-old veteran released a lengthy statement via social media, taking what he termed “full and unequivocal responsibility” for what he described as a “serious mistake.” Kennedy admitted that he “unintentionally misstated aspects of my military service” over the years, specifically confirming that implying he had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor “is not true, and there is no excuse for it.”
“I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise,” Kennedy wrote, acknowledging the sacred nature of the recognition and offering a direct apology to those who genuinely earned it. He attributed some of his earlier missteps to being “young” and unprepared for public scrutiny, but maintained that this “doesn’t absolve” him, stating he “failed to uphold the standards I claimed to represent.”
Kennedy, who competed five times in the UFC after a notable career in other promotions, promised to maintain a higher standard going forward. “This apology is not the end, it’s the beginning,” he stated, committing to rebuilding trust through “honest reflection, visible accountability, and ongoing service.” He vowed to speak about his service only with truth, humility, and respect, acknowledging that restoring trust will require “time and action.”
However, Kennedy`s apology did not universally mend fences, particularly within certain segments of the military community. Alex Theodosis, another former Green Beret, publicly criticized the apology, suggesting Kennedy`s misrepresentations were far from “unintentional.” Theodosis argued that Kennedy`s “entire public persona and the lies that you’ve told are anything but ‘unintentional,’” and that the actions were deliberate, crafted over years for personal gain.
Referring to Kennedy`s apology, Theodosis controversially described it as a “ChatGPT crafted non-apology,” implying it was insincere and carefully worded merely because Kennedy “got caught.” He contended that the statement barely addresses the scope of the issue and does not adequately address the veteran and Special Forces communities who, he feels, deserve a more forthright admission. This critical reaction underscores the deep sensitivity surrounding military honors and the expectations of integrity placed upon public figures with military backgrounds.
