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Richard Madeley called out Robbie Williams and The Black Eyed Peas over their planned performance at this year’s World Cup which will be held in Qatar.
The decision to hold the global event in Qatar has been met with intense scrutiny due to the country’s treatment of local workers, and its criminalisation of same-sex marriage.
The Let Me Entertain You hitmaker is one of the big names taking the stage next month, alongside US musical group The Black Eyed Peas – which consists of rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and J. Rey Soul – and Columbian singer J Balvin.
During Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain, host Richard and Kate Garraway discussed the controversy after singer Robbie faced the wrath of the public following the announcement.
‘It just seems to me that Robbie going to Qatar for money, and Black Eyed Peas going to Qatar for money, and David Beckham endorsing Qatar for money… they’re all endorsing the regime,’ he said.
Addressing the backlash, Richard continued: ‘Well, they don’t have to say yes, they don’t have to go.’
Richard claimed that the performers are only performing in Qatar for money (Picture: ITV)
‘Robbie and The Black Eyed Peas, nobody is forcing them to go to Qatar, what do you mean it’s unfair on them. They can just say no.’
The country has been accused of trying to use the World Cup to ‘sportswash’ their image and sportsman David has reportedly been paid £10m to promote tourism and culture in the region.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell previously urged David to ‘think again’ before promoting the country, saying: ‘His work for Qatar could cause grave damage to his reputation.’
It was recently announced that Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage in Qatar during World Cup season (Picture: Shutterstock)
David Beckham is currently the face of Qatar Tourism (Picture: Getty)
A spokesperson for David told Metro.co.uk at the time: ‘David has been visiting Qatar regularly for over a decade and went on to play for PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], so he has seen the passion for football in the country and the long-term commitment that’s been made to hosting the World Cup and delivering a lasting legacy for the region.
Following the controversy surrounding the World Cup’s location, Qatar has said ‘everyone is welcome’ at the World Cup, which begins in November, and rainbow flags can be displayed in stadiums.
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‘He’s always talked about the power of football as a force for good … As we reach the one-year-to-go point, he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022.’
Qatar has said ‘everyone is welcome’ at the World Cup, which begins in November, and rainbow flags can be displayed in stadiums.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Robbie Williams and The Black Eyed Peas for comment.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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The location of this year’s tournament has been met with controversy.
