Getting SERIOUS

Not content with making the nation laugh, comedian turned campaigner Joe Lycett has taken to speaking out on the issues of the day - from David Beckham becoming the face of antigay Qatar in the World Cup to the UK government's immigration policy. We loved him before but now we love him even more...

- Cliff Joannou

Hands down, the prize for most sensational stunt of 2022 goes to Joe Lycett. The comedian and artist and TV presenter and (somewhat reluctant) social justice warrior closed the year in even more spectacular fashion than the vivacious ensembles he is accustomed to wearing when he called out David Beckham. The former England captain had spent the past two decades courting the gays, then sold his ally status for a hefty pay cheque (rumoured to be in the tens of millions) to be the face of Qatar - where same-sex relations are illegal.

The stunt began with Joe threatening to shred £10,000 that would otherwise be going to charity if David Beckham did not address his endorsement deal of the country that punishes gay relations with the death sentence. Beckham remained silent, and the money along with his Attitude cover and Beckham's gay icon status was shredded. Of course, the money wasn't actually destroyed. "I would never be so irresponsible," Joe said in a video that went viral, revealing the money had indeed been donated to two LGBTQ+ charities.

This is not the first time Joe has become a champion for good. Through his Channel 4 TV show, Joe Lycett's Got Your Back, he has taken on big business when it has trampled over the public's rights, challenging companies like Hugo Boss and Shell, among others. Of course, the government has not escaped a lashing from the comedian's razorsharp tongue, with Liz Truss and the Home Office's immigration policy all falling under Joe's scrutiny. Needless to say, Joe Lycett has more than earned his place in this year's Attitude 101 Media & Broadcast category.

Presenter, comedian, artist... how would you describe your career to a stranger you've just met who, for some bizarre reason, has no idea who Joe Lycett is? I'd make some sort of shit joke about Julian Clary and then ultimately refuse to answer any more questions, directing them to my website/Wikipedia page.