Joe Lycett still chasing David Beckham over plan to shred £10,000 if he doesn’t axe Qatar ambassadorship: ‘Am I to expect silence?’-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro

Joe Lycett threatened to shred £10,000 (Picture: Twitter / Joe Lycett)

Joe Lycett hasn’t slowed down on his mission to get David Beckham to give up his Qatar ambassadorship, asking whether he should ‘expect radio silence’ from the former footballer.

In August, Beckham confirmed his reported £10million deal with an advert promoting Qatar tourism released in September ahead of the major sporting event. 

Shining a light on Qatar’s human rights record, which includes homosexuality being illegal, the lack of women’s rights and the death of more than 6,000 migrant workers since the country was awarded the World Cup 10 years ago, Lycett threatened to shred £10,000 rather than giving it to charity if Beckham doesn’t give up the partnership.

In a new tweet, he revealed he’s attempting to get in touch with Beckham’s representatives.

‘An email to Beckham’s PR. Less than 4 days to go,’ he wrote.

The email reads: ‘Hi, I expect you’re having a busy week! Me too! I’ve managed to get myself into a bit of a pickle – I’ve been a bit daft and publicly announced that I’m going to shred £10k on Sunday if David doesn’t end his relationship with Qatar or donate the cash to LGBTQ+ charities if he does, yet we’re now four days out and I haven’t heard a peep from him.

Lycett contacted Beckham’s representatives (Picture: Joe Lycett/Twitter)

‘Could you do me a solid and let me know if there’s any chance he might budge on his position, or am I to expect radio silence on this? I really don’t want to shred ten grand!!!

‘I also don’t want a national treasure that has historically supported the LGBTQ+ community to publicly endorse and advertise a nation state that has an appalling human rights record and has the death penalty for gays – call me old fashioned!!!!!!’

Lycett continued: ‘There’s still time for David and his team to do the right thing. I’m happy to speak to you about this at any time you find convenient. Best wishes, Joe’.

The comedian first addressed Beckham in a video message at the weekend.

David Beckham has been criticised for his Qatar ambassadorship (Picture: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

‘This is a message to David Beckham,’ he began. ‘I consider you, along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, to be a gay icon.

‘You were the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl which is the gayest thing a human being can do.

‘But now it’s 2022 and you’ve signed a reported £10million deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the Fifa World Cup. Qatar was voted as 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.’

He continued: ‘You have always talked about the power of football as a force for good, which suggests to me you have never seen West Brom. 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. 

‘Also, you’ll be forcing me to commit what might be a crime. Although even then, I reckon I’ll get off more lightly than I would if I got caught whacking off a lad in Doha.

‘The choice is yours. I look forward to hearing from you.’

Lycett shared a link to his website Benders Like Beckham alongside the video message.

On the website, users can read his speech in full and also see a countdown to the start of the World Cup – the time Beckham has left to take action.

Lycett’s not the only star to speak out against Beckham’s Qatar ambassadorship, with the likes of Rob Rinder and John Whaite also slamming the decision.

Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for David Beckham for comment.

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