Milan consultant and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces backlash after participating in a controversial prank with YouTube star IShowSpeed during a livestream at San Siro.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Photo by Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Milan consultant and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces backlash after participating in a controversial prank with YouTube star IShowSpeed during a livestream at San Siro.

Introduction

Recently, Milan consultant and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic found himself at the center of controversy following an interaction with popular YouTube star IShowSpeed. The incident took place during a livestream of IShowSpeed’s visit to San Siro, which has since drawn significant criticism.

The Incident

During the livestream, IShowSpeed met Ibrahimovic in the locker room, and they later traveled together to the club shop. During their car journey, IShowSpeed initiated a so-called «game» named «first one to move is gay». Both individuals remained immobile for several minutes, a behaviour that has been widely condemned as not only childish but also homophobic.

Public Reaction

The backlash on social media was swift and severe. Many criticised Ibrahimovic for participating in such a prank. Critics pointed out that, as a public figure, Ibrahimovic’s involvement in this kind of behaviour could be seen as endorsing homophobia, even if implicitly. Social media users were quick to express their disappointment and anger over the incident.

Zlatan’s Response

Following the criticism, Ibrahimovic responded through the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. He expressed that he did not expect such a situation and felt compelled to go along with it because the interaction was live. Throughout the video, Ibrahimovic appeared largely uninterested, keeping his responses monosyllabic and minimal.

Conclusion

While Ibrahimovic’s involvement in this incident has certainly tarnished his reputation for some, it also underscores the importance of awareness and sensitivity, especially when it comes to public figures participating in content that can be broadcasted to a wide audience. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and the impacts of seemingly harmless pranks that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and behaviours.

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