Tim Kennedy, a former UFC fighter and decorated US Army veteran, has issued a public apology for previously misrepresenting his military service. In a lengthy Instagram post, Kennedy admitted to making statements over the years that incorrectly implied he had received the Bronze Star with Valor, a high-level military award given for acts of heroism in combat.

“I want to take full and unequivocal responsibility for a serious mistake,” Kennedy began. “Most notably, I implied directly or indirectly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That is not true, and there is no excuse for it. I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise.”

Kennedy, known both for his military background and his time in the Octagon, acknowledged the deep meaning behind the Valor distinction and offered a direct apology to those who had earned it. “That kind of recognition is sacred. It represents extraordinary courage under fire acts that risk or cost lives. To those who truly earned it, and to their families and brothers-in-arms, I offer my sincere and direct apology. What I said disrespected your service, and I take full ownership of that.”

The apology follows mounting public scrutiny over Tim Kennedy’s military record. In January, OutKick reporter David Hookstead highlighted inconsistencies between Kennedy’s public statements and military records. The controversy gained traction after an episode of the Antihero Podcast examined his claims, particularly those made in his best-selling book, Scars and Stripes.

The distinction between a Bronze Star and one awarded “with Valor” is significant. The former may be given for meritorious service, while the latter is explicitly reserved for acts of bravery under direct enemy fire.

Kennedy acknowledged the weight of that distinction as he continued, “To the military and veteran community, especially those who’ve served in combat or lost people they love. I am deeply sorry. I know I’ve let many of you down. You had every right to expect more from me, and I didn’t live up to that.”

He also addressed his emergence into the public spotlight at a young age, admitting he wasn’t prepared for the scrutiny. But, he made it clear that wasn’t an excuse. The apology goes beyond mere words. Kennedy said he plans to rebuild trust “through honest reflection, visible accountability, and ongoing service to the community I misrepresented myself to.”

The UFC veteran concluded the post with, “Thank you to those who have held me accountable. I will do my best to honor that accountability from this point forward.” And in the very same week, Tim Kennedy chose action over words once again, this time, from the frontlines of a disaster back home.

Tim Kennedy sheds light on Texas relief efforts as he addresses the controversy around his military service

Texas is now facing its deadliest flood crisis in years, and Tim Kennedy offered a raw look at the devastation.  In an Instagram post shared just a couple of days ago, Kennedy wrote, “These are some of toughest people conducting these rescue operations, and of course it is starting to rain again this afternoon. Simply amazing men and women on the ground doing anything and everything they can to save lives.”

The post contained an aerial video of the destruction, showing submerged homes, ruined roads, and emergency teams working non-stop in brutal conditions. But Kennedy’s post didn’t dwell on the devastation, instead it focused on the strength of the community as he further wrote, “We are lucky and grateful for the Sherriff, the Commissioner, the Constable, every Texan that has stepped up, all the Texas businesses, and the entire EMS and LEO community for their never ending commitment to their communities.”

His message served as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, people rise. From law enforcement officers to local business owners, the response on the ground has been relentless.

Ultimately, in a week marked by personal accountability and public service, Tim Kennedy has shown two sides of the same coin, owning past mistakes and stepping up in the present. His apology may not erase the controversy, but paired with his on-the-ground efforts during one of Texas’ worst natural disasters, it shows a man striving to realign his words with action.