Joe Lycett corrects Keir Starmer after David Beckham’s stunt mentioned in PMQs

Joe Lycett has fact-checked Keir Starmer after the Labor leader mentioned his money-shredding stunt in the Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (November 23).

A week before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, comedian Lycett had threatened to wipe out £10,000 of his own money if David Beckham didn’t back down from a deal to become Qatar’s ambassador during the £10m tournament.

Homosexuality is illegal in the country and anyone engaging in same-sex sexual activity can be sentenced to up to seven years in prison. Lycett warned Beckham that he would not only destroy the money but also the athlete’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ ally.

After Beckham didn’t respond, Lycett posted a video of himself on day one of the World Cup (Sunday, 20 has already donated the money to LGBTQ+ charities.

But Starmer was not up to date with the latest twist in the story, and when he brought up the story in Parliament he seemed to imply the stunt was a protest against QatarEnergy.

“You may have seen this week someone shredded £10,000 in protest at those who support an oil and gas giant,” Starmer said.

“But he [Prime Minister Rishi Sunak] shreds 10,000 pounds every other minute to support them.

“What does he find more absurd?”

Lycett posted a clip of the moment to Twitter, writing, “Not quite what happened but fair game.”

Beckham has been condemned by many celebrities for his decision to promote Qatar.

On Wednesday (November 23), Will Young shared his outrage at the former footballer on Instagram, calling the lucrative deal “disgusting” and urging Beckham to donate money to queer charities.