Joe Lycett’s protest against David Beckham’s involvement in the Qatar World Cup in 2022 has been nominated for a major prize.
Because of Qatar’s draconian laws against homosexuality and other human rights violations, the comedian claimed to burn £10,000 in protest of the footballer’s participation in the event.
Joe had pushed him to withdraw from a rumoured multi-million pound contract with Qatar, and when he didn’t, he broadcast a video of himself shredding the money.
But, following a large response, Joe confessed that the money in the shredder was a forgery and that he had donated the money to LGBTQ+ charities: what he had shredded instead was David’s classic cover photo for GQ magazine.
Following the stunt, David made a statement conceding that there were “diverse and strongly held opinions regarding engagement in the Middle East,” and that it was “good” that “discussion about the fundamental problems has been sparked directly” by the World Cup being staged in the region.
Joe has been nominated for the media moment award by the British LGBT awards for raising awareness of the problem and starting a major discourse about the lack of rights in Qatar.
Other categories include sports, which, unsurprisingly, mainly highlights the champion England Lionesses, with I’m A Celebrity winner Hill Scott, captain Leah Williamson, and striker Beth Mead all competing for a gong.
Alison Hammond, Harry Potter star Emma Watson, Harry Styles, Michelle Visage, and Sir Patrick Stewart are among those competing for the celebrity ally award.
Meanwhile, Anne-Marie, Lizzo, Yungblug, and Rina Sawayama are among those nominated for music artist of the year, according to The Mirror.
Emma Corrin, star of The Crown, competes for the title of LGBT+ celebrity of the year.
Each year, the awards honour renowned LGBT+ celebrities as well as supporters who support or inspire the community and have fought to improve LGBT people’s rights in the previous year.
The shortlist for the 2022 awards included famous personalities such as Olly Alexander, Alan Carr, Daniel Radcliffe, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa.
Speaking about the 2023 nominees, Sarah Garrett MBE, creator of the British LGBT Awards, said it was’more vital than ever that we cast a light on people who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the LGBT+ community, amid what has been another extremely hard year for the community.’
She added: ‘The nominees, which include an exciting mix of famous LGBT+ faces, allies and organisations have all demonstrated a commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights.
‘The awards on 23 June will be a huge celebration of our culture and we’re so proud to continue championing the LGBT+ voice.’