David Beckham has been harshly criticized for agreeing to become an ambassador for Qatar for a reported $150 million.
Joe Lycett has threatened to destroy £10,000 of his own money if David Beckham does not cease his disputed multimillion-pound promotion agreement with Qatar.
In a social media ultimatum, the comedian threatened Beckham that, if no action is made, “your status as a gay icon will be destroyed.”
Lycett stated that he will contribute the money to organizations that “help LGBT people in football” if Beckham backs out of the arrangement; otherwise, he will shred it.
The former England captain was previously supportive of homosexual fans and athletes, but he has been heavily criticized for accepting to be an ambassador for Qatar in a deal of £10 million, according to Lycett, and up to £150 million, according to other reports.
Because Qatar prohibits same-sex relationships and has a dismal human rights record, many football fans have vowed to boycott the World Cup.
Lycett sat at a desk with £10,000 in cash and stated in the video: “This message is intended for David Beckham. Along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, I believe you to be a gay icon.
“You are the first premiership player to undertake photo sessions with gay magazines such as Attitude, to speak freely about your gay fans, and to marry a Spice Girl, which is the gayest thing a person can do.
“The year is currently 2022. And you reportedly negotiated a £10 million contract with Qatar to serve as their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup.
“Qatar was ranked as one of the worst countries to be gay in the world. Homosexuality is a crime punishable by imprisonment and, in the case of Muslims, execution.
“If you cease your relationship with Qatar, I will pay 10 grand of my own money, one grand for each million you’re receiving, to organizations that help gay football players.
“If you do not, I will shred this money next Sunday at noon, right before the opening ceremony of the World Cup, and stream it live on the website I’ve created, benderslikebeckham.com.
“In addition to losing money, your status as a gay superstar will also be destroyed. You will coerce me into doing a crime.”
Many have expressed worries about the rights of fans traveling to the event, particularly LGBTQ+ folks and women, whom campaign groups claim are discriminated against under Qatari law.
