The team of David Beckham provided an “exclusive statement” to the special edition of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, which examined his stunt from last month, in which he live-streamed himself putting £10,000 into a wood chipper.
After Joe Lycett’s harsh criticism, David Beckham has broken his silence about his disputed multimillion-pound World Cup deal with Qatar.
The representative for the ex-England footballer stated that he viewed it as a good because the contest held in the country has sparked debate on “important problems.”
Beckham’s staff acknowledged the overwhelming criticism of his work as ambassador to Qatar, for which he was rumored to be paid up to £150 million, by stating that he realizes there are “diverse and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East.”
Lycett live-streamed himself dropping £10,000 into a wood-chipper last month, after giving Beckham an ultimatum to quit his association with the World Cup hosts before the opening match.
The following day, he admitted that he had fabricated the document destruction and instead gave the money to LGBTQ+ charities.
Thursday’s special edition of Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back on Channel 4 featured the comedian, 34, reading Beckham’s full statement.
“David has participated in numerous World Cups and other important international competitions as both a player and an ambassador, and he has always felt that sport can be a force for good in the world,” the statement stated.
“Football, the world’s most popular sport, has the power to bring people together and make a significant contribution to communities.
“We recognize that there are differing and strongly held opinions regarding engagement in the Middle East, but view it as a positive that the first World Cup to be held in the region has directly generated debate on the region’s most pressing challenges.
“We hope that these dialogues will lead to greater understanding and compassion for all individuals, and that progress will be made.”
Lycett disclosed on Twitter that he had gotten the “exclusive statement” before the broadcast, adding, “As far as we are aware, this is the only statement he or his team have made regarding his involvement in Qatar.”
“Legal counsel informs me that I cannot express my view on the matter, so you’ll have to make up your minds.”
Lycett also interviewed Dr. Naser Mohamed, who claims to be the first and only openly gay Qatari, during the program.
The physician and activist, who described LGBTQ+ concerns in Qatar as “life-threatening,” claimed he was blocked by Beckham’s Instagram account after he “tagged” him in a post describing Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ+ position as “this is what is occurring.
Lycett also criticized event sponsors McDonald’s and Budweiser, but both companies declined to comment.
After being selected to host the World Cup, Qatar has faced a barrage of criticism, with the country’s dismal human rights record and ban on same-sex couples proving particularly problematic.
Participation in same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by up to seven years in jail or the death sentence in Qatar.
Both Lycett’s initial money-shredding stunt and his admission that it was all a deception divided views, with some calling him “attention-seeking” and others hailing him as a hero.
