Morgan Freeman has been harshly criticized on social media for taking part in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.
The 85-year-old comedian narrated the first segment of the ceremony which took place at Al-Bayt Stadium in Doha, titled The Calling.
“We are gathered here in one great tribe, and the Earth is the tent within which we find ourselves,” he said. Football is spread all over the world and countries are united in the love of this magnificent game.” On stage, the actor could also be heard interacting with Qatari influencer Ghanim al Muftah, who suffers from regression syndrome caudal, which prevents its lower body from developing.
Hosting the World Cup in Qatar is controversial because of the country’s attitude to human rights. Homosexuality is prohibited there. Although many people praised the presence of the actor, several criticized his choice to participate in the event, especially from a man who played the role of Nelson Mandela in the cinema.
Several stars have refused to participate in the World Cup this year, including Dua Lipa and Shakira.