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The popular comic gave an ultimatum to the former footballer last week over his controversial deal with Qatar to promote the upcoming world cup.
David Beckham is an ambassador for Qatar ahead of the World Cup and is being paid to endorse them.
In a video posted to social media, Lycett had said if Beckham, who he hails a “gay icon” did not pull out of the deal, he will shred £10,000 of his own money.
Comedian Joe Lycett shreds £10K as David Beckham’s deadline passes
“A platform for progress” pic.twitter.com/EeMelv01nu
— Joe Lycett (@joelycett) November 20, 2022
As the 12pm deadline on Sunday passed, that is exactly what the comedian did.
Mr Lycett had informed the footballer that if had ended his deal with Qatar, the comedian would donate the money to charities that support queer people in football.
“You’ve always talked about the power of football as a force for good,” he said in the initial clip.
He continued: “With that in mind, I’m giving you a choice. If you end your relationship with Qatar. I’ll donate 10 grand of my own money, that’s one grand for every million you’re reportedly getting, to charities that support queer people in football.
“However, if you do not, at midday next Sunday, I will throw this money into a shredder, just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it live on a website.”
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished by up to seven years in prison.
Foreign Office advice notes “any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent”.
READ MORE: World Cup protesters call on England team to use platform at Iran game
READ MORE: Made In Chelsea star calls on England fans to do one thing at every Iran match
The clip, which the comedian posted on his Twitter account on Sunday with the caption “A platform for progress”, shows Mr Lycett dressed in a rainbow feathered coat as he silently shreds the money.
Once it’s all gone, the comic simply curtsies to the camera and leaves the shot.
Social media users have rushed to the comments sections to share their thoughts.
One person wrote:”Well done @joelycett! xx”
However, some fans were upset by the move due to the ongoing cost of living crisis: “While i understand you are making a point, but all I can think about all the people who are struggling financially.”
Another person posted: “So disappointed. In a cost of living crisis that money could have helped so many desperate vulnerable people.”
Other fans came to the comedian’s defence, writing: “For the people missing the point. It’s Joe’s money. If he’d have bought a watch or a car we wouldn’t have cared. The point isn’t about him shredding money, it’s about highlighting the issues with celebrities taking far greater sums from a country with an awful human rights record”
Another user noted that it was David Beckham, people should be angry at: “Those saying he should have given it away really need to look at the bigger picture. Vent your anger at Beckham if anyone. He would have 100% known this was happening.”
The shredding follows a protest that took place in central London yesterday where 22 Iranian women played football in Westminster on Saturday in a protest against their country’s and the host’s regime.
A lawyer, who was at the protest, called on England’s football team to raise awareness of the situation ahead of their opening match against Iran on Monday, November 21.
The protesters were joined by Made In Chelsea star Mark-Francis Vandell who urged England fans to support Iranian women during the World Cup.
