Husband of 9/11 Hero Returns Award After Caitlyn Jenner Gets It Too

Glamour magazine posthumously named 38-year-old police officer Moira Smith one of their Women of the Year back in 2001. She selflessly returned to the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks in an attempt to help civilians out of the towers, until the building collapsed while she was inside, ultimately killing her. Smith deserved to be honored for her heroic efforts, but her husband has since returned the award — all because Caitlyn Jenner was honored similarly this year.

According to the Chicago Tribune, James Smith said he’ll be returning the award to the publication because they chose to honor Jenner for her continued efforts in bringing visibility and awareness to transgender issues.

Smith wrote an open letter to Cyndia Lieve, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, saying (via the Daily Mail), “I was shocked and saddened to learn that Glamour has just named Bruce Jenner 'Woman of the Year.' I find it insulting to Moira Smith's memory, and the memory of other heroic women who have earned this award. Was there no woman in America, or the rest of the world, more deserving than this man?"

He continued, "I can only guess that this was a publicity stunt meant to resuscitate a dying medium. After discussing this slap in the face to the memory of our Hero with my family, I have decided to return Moira's award to Glamour magazine."

A spokesperson for Glamour has since defended their decision to honor Jenner, releasing a statement that says, "We were proud to honor his wife....in 2001, and we stand by our decision to honor Caitlyn Jenner. Glamour's Women of the Year Awards recognize women with a variety of backgrounds and experiences."