Morgan Freeman is facing a lot of backlash these days. The Oscar winner has been caught in some controversy after he agreed to take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Not only that, but Freeman served as a host, appearing in the opening number alongside 20-year-old World Cup ambassador Al Muftah.The veteran actor, known for his countless hit films and for being a devoted father to his children, has since been at the receiving end of several harsh comments on social media. That said, it is also worth noting that Freeman had also been embroiled in public controversy long before the World Cup.
Qatar May Have Been Eyeing Morgan Freeman To Host
Qatar’s journey to hosting the World Cup started way back in 2010 when it was announced that the country had won the bid to hold the event. At that time, the United States was also bidding, and interestingly, it was Freeman who was tasked to make the final presentation on behalf of the nation.
Over a decade later, however, it seems Qatar managed to convince the actor to work with them instead as he appeared during the World Cup’s opening ceremony.
“I heard something beautiful. Not just music, but also this call to celebration. Football united nations and their love for the beautiful game. What brings together nations also brings together communities.,” Freeman said.
“Now, the world feels even more distant and divided. How can so many countries, languages, and cultures come together, if only one way is accepted?”
Later on, the actor declared, “So, we gather here as one big tribe, and Earth is the tent we live in.”
Throughout his time onstage, Freeman also keeps a yellow compression glove on one hand. He’s had to wear one regularly since being involved in a serious car accident in Mississippi in 2008.
Fans Have Expressed Disappointment In Morgan Freeman For Taking Part In The Qatar World Cup
While some viewers praised Freeman’s opening number, many also voiced their outrage against the actor for deciding to work with Qatar. The country has been the subject of much scrutiny since it won the bid to host the World Cup.
Many have opposed Qatar’s treatment of its migrant workers, women, and LGBTQI+ (which FIFA World Cup players have long been supportive of) population, accusing the country of human rights violations. At the same time, the country has also been accused of bribing officials to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid.
Amidst all these, Freeman agreed to take part in Qatar’s World Cup, leaving a lot of fans disappointed.
“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,” wrote one user on Twitter.
“It is so disappointing to see #MorganFreeman take the money and support an oppressive regime.”
“Just remembered Morgan Freeman at the World Cup thingy last night. MORGAN FREEMAN. I am so disappointed,” another posted.
Others also claimed that the actor agreed to do this because of the money.
“Morgan Freeman cash out,” one tweeted. Another wrote, “Wouldn't have guessed Morgan Freeman would tie his name to this. Money talks. #FIFAWorldCup. “
Morgan Freeman Has Also Been The Subject Of Controversy In The Past
Back in 2018, Freeman faced accusations of sexual harassment from eight women.
According to CNN, one of those who came forward was a woman who worked as a production assistant in the 2015 comedy Going In Style, which starred Freeman alongside Alan Arkin and Michael Caine.
Behind the scenes, the woman claimed that the Freeman “kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear.”
And while he was never successful in lifting it, she also claimed that he continued to try to lift it until one of his co-stars called him out. “Alan [Arkin] made a comment telling him to stop. Morgan got freaked out and didn’t know what to say,” she recalled.
Freeman also allegedly displayed inappropriate behavior on the set of the 2012 movie Now You See. A woman who was a senior member of the production staff claimed that she was sexually harassed by the actor, along with a female assistant, on several occasions.
“He did comment on our bodies… We knew that if he was coming by … not to wear any top that would show our breasts, not to wear anything that would show our bottoms, meaning not wearing clothes that [were] fitted.”
The actor was also accused of sexually harassing reporters as well.
In response to the accusations, Freeman issued a statement saying, “Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy. I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent.”
It appears that Freeman faced any charges following the allegations.