Joe Lycett has given David Beckham a £10,000 ultimatum ahead of the FIFA World Cup next week.
The comedian urged Beckham to quit his role as ambassador for the event, taking place in Qatar due to the country's extreme laws against homophobia. Lycett said he considers the footballer a 'gay icon' and vowed to donate 'ten grand' of his own money to charities supporting queer people if Beckham cuts his ties with the Qatar.
If not, then Lycett threatened to shred the cash and live-stream it ahead of the World Cup's opening ceremony at 12 noon next Sunday (November 20). In a video shared on social media - and the website benderslikebeckham.com - Lycett pointed out that the Salford City co-owner was the 'first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude and 'to speak openly about your gay fans.'
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Lycett added: "And you married a Spice Girl which is the gayest thing a human being can do." He continued: "But now it’s 2022 and you’ve signed a reported £10 million deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup. Qatar was voted as the one of the worst places in the world to be gay - homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment, and if you’re Muslim, possibly even death.
"You have always talked about the power of football as a force for good... But generally I agree - so with that in mind I’m giving you a choice. If you end your relationship with Qatar I will donate ten grand of my own money (that’s a grand for every million you’re reportedly getting) to charities that support queer people in football.
"However, if you do not I will throw the money into a shredder at midday next Sunday, just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it right here. Not just the money, but also your status as gay icon will be shredded."
Some fans praised Lycett for the move. Taking to Twitter, @ImCraigOh said: "This is brilliant. @joelycett you’re brilliant. Joe, you’re a bloody icon & an inspiration," while @blayney1989 gushed: "Joe Lycett is a veritable badass. Legit will call out anyone for their bulls**t. Kudos."
Twitter user @sellarry28 commented: "joe lycett being a legend as always," with two clapping-hand emojis as @emreadsthebooks enthused: "There are no words for how much I adore Joe Lycett".
But others were quick to make a demand of the comedian. @WHusseyAuthor weighed in: "Beckham won’t change his mind. But I hope Joe doesn’t shred that money and instead gives it to LGBTQ+ charities anyway. Fabulous way to highlight how hollow certain ‘allyship’ can be though. Well done Joe x".
@helen_a15 added: "I get it. The sentiment. I really do. But this ain’t gonna get Beckham to pull out of his role in Qatar so @joelycett are you really just gonna shred 10k of money when there are people incl the lgbt+ community choosing between heating and eating in 2022? REALLY??"
@Phil_cheshire challenged: "Not sure what to make of this. Admirable intent but shredding £10k in the current austerity seems disgusting. Two (albeit unequal) wrongs don’t make a right? I dunno" as @leecreekguzzler said: "Love the sentiment, but give the money to the local food bank".
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