Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been criticized by their devoted followers for appearing in an advertisement for the city of Abu Dhabi.
In the slick commercial, which was produced in collaboration with the government of the United Arab Emirates, the A-list couple features themselves and describes the controversial location as perfect for a family holiday.
Over a lengthy period, the leadership of the country has been accused of allowing alleged violations of human rights to continue unchecked.
An insider informed New Idea Magazine that Chris and Elsa's undertaking of a project that could elicit much criticism was unexpected.
The source indicated they possess a competent crew, leading them to question why no issues were raised. Pundits on the internet also questioned whether or not the two individuals were motivated by financial gain in producing the advertisement.
It is claimed that Chris, who plays Thor, has a net worth of over $200 million, while Elsa, born in Spain, earned a fortune of approximately $75 million, as per Cosmopolitan.
"Do better," a commenter said on the site. Chris, who is 41 years old, and Elsa, who is 48, shared the controversial advertisement on their separate Instagram profiles, as did the official Experience Abu Dhabi account. This was done despite the outrage that they received.
Chris and Elsa make a statement about how they could "use a vacation about now" in the advertisement that was released on their Instagram accounts. The ad depicts them hanging from a height while they are on a fictional set for an action movie.
Following that, the couple is seen traveling throughout the United Arab Emirates with their family, participating in activities such as going to theme parks, surfing, kayaking, and taking automobile drives in the desert.
It did not take long for fans who were furious to respond to the couple, asking them if they genuinely required the money that they received from the advertisement.
"Yeah, nah, it doesn't even pass the pub test," a user commented on Instagram, and added, "Disappointed that you would be promoting a country that has such horrendous human rights issues, and advocating to throw money into their economy when they are culturally so misaligned with our way of life."
"I’m so gutted," yet another said. "Been a fan for so long to wake up and see this just sucks. Centr subscription cancelled and unfollowed on socials. Can’t support someone who doesn’t support me."
"Can they put disclaimers like - not safe to travel if LGBT+," one user said. "How lovely. A country without women's rights and workers' rights. An amazing thing to promote with your huge celebrity," another sarcastically wrote.
"Really disappointing he is promoting a country with zero equal rights," one person said. Chris, who stars in the tourism campaign, has spoken about marriage equality and feminism.
Chris and other celebrities encouraged his Instagram followers to vote Yes on the 2017 same-sex marriage referendum.
"Dear open-minded, free-speaking, laid-back, life-loving Aussies," he wrote. “A country based on equality should allow marriage, which is about love and commitment! Now vote for marriage equality." The “Thor” star told RadioTimes in 2016 that he's "for sure" a feminist.
“My mum’s a big feminist,” he said. "My mother shaped my thoughts on respecting women. My dad has a balanced and respectful outlook on many topics. There were enormous good influences on my life."
