Solveig’s comments sparked a backlash!
It was a historic day for women’s football as Ada Hegerberg became the first woman to be awarded a Ballon d’Or.
Ada plays for Olympic Lyonnais in France. The charm of the momentous evening was lulled a little, as the presenter Martin Solveig made an inappropriate comment.
The three-time UEFA Women’s Champions League Winner Ada Hegerberg was asked to twerk by the revered DJ as she came on stage to receive the award. In a moment, the footballer replied with a “No” and immediately exited the stage.
Ada Hegerberg.
UEFA Women’s Champions League winner. Three times.
First female ever to win the #BallondOr.
Being asked about twerking.
Blatant sexism in 2018.pic.twitter.com/SnkKxoRNhG
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 3, 2018
However, Martin quickly took to Twitter, explaining that his intentions weren’t to harass her on stage and that his language barrier made his comment look like a ‘bad joke’.
Ada Hegerberg.
UEFA Women’s Champions League winner. Three times.
First female ever to win the #BallondOr.
Being asked about twerking.
Blatant sexism in 2018.pic.twitter.com/SnkKxoRNhG
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 3, 2018
He also immediately approached her to explain the situation in person. Here’s the tweet:
Ada Hegerberg.
UEFA Women’s Champions League winner. Three times.
First female ever to win the #BallondOr.
Being asked about twerking.
Blatant sexism in 2018.pic.twitter.com/SnkKxoRNhG
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 3, 2018
Ada herself spoke, saying “He came to me afterward and was really sad that it went that way. I didn’t really consider it a sexual harassment or anything in the moment. I was just happy to do the dance and win the Ballon d’Or, to be honest.”
As of yesterday, Martin Solveig released an official statement apologizing for his behaviour.
— Martin Solveig (@martinsolveig) December 4, 2018
In the end, the matter was resolved right then and more importantly, the first Ballon d’Or winner’s historic moment came back to the limelight!
