It's fair to say that David Beckham's public image has been damaged by his involvement with the World Cup in Qatar.
The former footballer has come under fire for taking on a big-bucks deal as an ambassador for the World Cup, with many criticising him for his hypocritical stance on LGBTQIA+ rights while working in a country where homosexuality is illegal and human/worker's rights leave much to be desired.
Joe Lycett's 'shredding £10k' stunt didn't change his mind, but now pop star Will Young has penned a scathing open letter to Beckham, urging him to donate £1 million a year from his reported £150 million, 15-year deal to LGBTQ+ charities in Qatar.
Young said that although he had once sang for Beckham on his birthday and they had met multiple times, he was disappointed that the footballer had not spoken out against the various human rights violations in the oil-rich Middle Eastern country.
"Our paths crossed a fair few times due to being with 19 Management and you were always friendly and generous," Young wrote. "People do things for money we all know that. Here is what irks me the most - not a WHISPER from yourself David to show solidarity, not a WHISPER from yourself to show support for the practical massacre of migrant workers, not a WHISPER David to help LGBTQIA+ communities living under constant danger."
Urging him to donate the money - Beckham's deal with Qatar is reportedly worth either £10 or £12 million a year for the first three years, with the potential to extend it for another 10 years+ - Young said "Can something be salvaged from this odious deal? Perhaps those funds can help provide much needed safety to those living in terror whilst your posters smile down on the people of Qatar."
Read the full letter below:
