Ada Hegerberg: Presenter Martin Solveig asks first woman to win Ballon d’Or ‘do you know how to twerk’

The clip quickly went viral on social media as viewers expressed their outrage at the incident

Tuesday 04 December 2018 08:01 GMT
Comments
Martin Solveig sparks controversy by asking women’s Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg 'if she can twerk'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

French DJ Martin Solveig sparked controversy while presenting the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris on Monday night when he asked Ada Hegerberg, the first ever female winner of the prestigious prize, if she could twerk.

The 23-year-old Norway international Hegerberg, who fired Lyon to the Champions League with 42 club goals in 25 games last season, used her acceptance speech to explain her hope that the recognition she received on Monday night will inspire the next generation of female footballers to believe in themselves, only for the controversy to overshadow the occasion.

Solveig, who was playing music throughout the ceremony in the French capital, followed Hegerberg’s speech by asking: “Do you know how to twerk?”

Hegerberg looked unimpressed with the question, before answering “no”, turning and abruptly walking away. She told reporters afterwards that she “understood it was a joke” and “didn’t consider it sexual harassment” despite ‘twerking’ being a sexually provocative dance move, but it caused an outcry among the football community that deemed Solveig’s comments unacceptable.

The clip quickly went viral on social media as viewers expressed their outrage at the incident, on what was an historic night for women’s football.

French football writer Jeremy Smith tweeted: “Wow – Martin Solveig asks Ada Hegerberg – who has just won the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or – if she can twerk. Her reaction is as you would expect.”

Ada Hegerberg in an awkward exchange with Martin Solveig
Ada Hegerberg in an awkward exchange with Martin Solveig (Reuters)

Another football journalist, Dan Levine, tweeted: “Pointless being outraged at the Ballon d’Or result. A popularity contest, monopolised by an electoral college controlled by sponsors & agents. Always will be. Save your outrage for sexist s***bag Martin Solveig – asking women’s winner Ada Hegerberg if she could twerk for him.”

Solveig was quick to apologise after his actions provoked furious criticism on social media.

Accompanied by a video apologising further to Hegerberg, Solveig wrote on Twitter: “Sincere apologies to the one I may have offended.

“My point was: I don’t invite women to twerk but dance on a Sinatra song. Watch the full sequence.

“People who have followed me for 20 years know how respectful I am especially with women.”

The men’s award was won by Real Madrid midfielder and Croatia captain Luka Modric, while the Kopa Trophy for the best young player was won by PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in