Despite Abu Dhabi’s “notorious” human rights record, Chris Hemsworth has come under fire for an advertisement that promotes travel there.
After he and his wife appeared in a commercial promoting Abu Dhabi as a travel destination in collaboration with the United Emirates government, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has faced criticism. The actor from Thor and his model wife, Else Pataky, are shown in the one-minute commercial feigning to shoot a high-octane action picture.
Hemsworth says he “could really use a vacation right now” while handing from the side of a building, to which Pataky responds, “yeah, me too.” The commercial then alternates between the fictitious dance floor and multiple shots of the couple and their kids taking in Abu Dhabi’s tourist sites. Kayaking, surfing, and even horseback riding in the desert are among the activities.
The actor’s involvement in the promotional advertisement and his reluctance to address the human rights issues in the United Arab Emirates have been criticized by fans ever since it was published. Hemsworth recently stated in an interview with Conde Nast Traveller: “We started stopping over in Abu Dhabi and simply fell in love with the area because we reside in Australia and the journey to Europe is intimidating with three children.
It has developed into a vacation spot in its own right. The Yas Water World park is one of their many kid-friendly attractions, and it was a lot of fun. Our children now ask if we may make a stop in Abu Dhabi. For them, it offers somewhat of everything.
One fan joked in a comment on the advertisement’s Instagram post: “You guys aren’t rich enough? Jeez, taking the money while disregarding the human rights abuses. “A commercial for a state with few human rights?” said another.
Human rights violations throughout the United Arab Emirates are a concern for Amnesty International, according to The Guardian, especially the government’s suppression of free speech, peaceful protest, and dissent through practices of arbitrary arrest, detention, and in some cases torture of political prisoners.
However, the 41-year-old actor is not the only well-known person to face criticism for endorsing the Middle East’s Gulf area. Rebel Wilson also came under fire in 2023 for allegedly going to the Atlantis The Royal Dubai hotel’s grand launch and advertising the trip on social media.
Perhaps the most well-known example is David Beckham, who had to defend himself after agreeing to a 10-year contract to serve as Qatar’s ambassador in conjunction with the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Speaking about the collaboration with The Telegraph a year later, he stated that he wanted to see the game expand, which required going into territories it hasn’t been in before.
He also acknowledged that he was aware that there would be doubts and criticism, but that football’s strength would triumph. Finally, he declared that he was pleased with his choice.
Several foreign organizations have expressed concern about human rights issues in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the United Arab Emirates. Women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, freedom of expression, and labor practices are examples of ongoing human rights concerns.