By Oyintari Ben
Morgan Freeman is being criticised for performing at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
On Sunday, November 20, the 85-year-old actor opened the football competition’s opening ceremony by narrating The Calling at Al-Bayt Stadium in Doha.
“We come together as a single, enormous tribe, and this place is our collective tent,” he addressed the gathering.
The World Cup this year has generated controversies because of the host nation, Qatar, and the allegations of human rights violations there.
Concerns have also been expressed regarding the nation’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. The Qatar working group of Kick It Out claims that despite repeated requests, adequate assurances of safety have not been provided, which has kept LGBTQ+ supporters largely absent from a nation that criminalizes same-sex relationships.
Other LGBTQ+ organizations have said they are avoiding Qatar to safeguard the community there, which Human Rights Watch claims is being persecuted by the authorities; the government vehemently disputes this.
Many famous people, including Dua Lipa and Shakira, chose not to perform at the competition this year in protest of Qatar’s violations of human rights.
Numerous people on social media are now criticizing Freeman’s attendance at the opening ceremony in the Middle Eastern country.
It is so disappointing to see #MorganFreeman take the money and support an oppressive regime, one person tweeted.
“For a man who played Nelson Mandela — who knew better than anyone the impact and importance of isolation on a country and its success on the ground to change that nation’s policy — it is so disappointing.”
Another person added: “@morganfreeman very disappointed, some people will do anything for money. Won’t watch #shawshankredemption again.”
One person wrote: “Morgan Freeman should be ashamed. What they pay you? How much is your integrity? Never rise your voice to talk about of minorities. You just lost that privilege.”
