Chris Hemsworth Faces Backlash For Abu Dhabi Tourism Ad Amid Human Rights Criticism

Dan Lalonde
Nov 7, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

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Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, best known for his iconic role as Thor in Marvel’s blockbuster franchise, recently sparked controversy by starring in an advertisement promoting tourism in Abu Dhabi. Alongside his wife, actress and model Elsa Pataky, Hemsworth appears in a sleek, high-production campaign aimed at attracting tourists to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ad, shared widely on social media, showcases the couple enjoying various luxurious experiences, from desert horseback riding to family kayaking excursions. However, the UAE's record on human rights has drawn criticism, with many questioning the ethics behind celebrities endorsing tourism in a nation with ongoing issues related to free speech, labor rights, and treatment of dissent.

The Tourism Campaign’s Backdrop

The minute-long ad unfolds like a behind-the-scenes movie set, with Hemsworth playfully calling for a “real” vacation, setting the stage for sweeping shots of him and Pataky exploring Abu Dhabi’s attractions with their young children. However, the glossy veneer of the ad is clouded by concerns about what some human rights advocates say is an attempt to promote an image of tolerance and luxury in a country with restrictive social policies. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the UAE invests heavily in marketing itself as “progressive, tolerant, and rights-respecting” to attract global tourists, while simultaneously stifling dissent and restricting freedoms for marginalized communities.

Criticism from human rights organizations like HRW and Amnesty International points to an apparent disconnect between the UAE's polished tourism appeal and its handling of freedom of speech, migrant worker protections, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. A spokesperson for Amnesty International highlighted that the UAE government “continues to suppress free speech and peaceful protest,” using tactics such as arbitrary arrests and detention to curb dissent.

Australia’s Trade Deal and Controversial Timing

The timing of Hemsworth’s tourism promotion aligns closely with the Australian government’s announcement of a new free trade agreement with the UAE. Expected to generate an additional $678 million in Australian exports to the Gulf nation, the agreement has been met with mixed reactions. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) expressed concerns, labeling the UAE as “one of the most repressive countries any Australian government has ever done a bilateral trade agreement with.” The ACTU’s objections highlight reports of modern slavery and a lack of legal protections for the 90% of the UAE’s workforce who are migrant laborers, often working under harsh conditions with limited rights.

Critics argue that Hemsworth’s advertisement distracts from these labor issues, presenting Abu Dhabi as a flawless tourist destination while ignoring the reality for many residents and workers who live under restrictive conditions. Australian Human Rights Institute’s director, Prof. Justine Nolan, pointed out that the ad serves as “a very deliberate strategy” to mask the country’s track record on human rights issues. She emphasized that while some reforms have been made in the UAE, many individuals—particularly migrant workers, women, and LGBTQ+ people—continue to face systemic discrimination.

Celebrity Influence and Ethical Responsibility

The backlash against Hemsworth is not unprecedented. Other celebrities have faced similar criticism for supporting tourism campaigns in the Middle East, including Rebel Wilson’s promotion of a luxury Dubai hotel, which was controversial due to the UAE’s laws against same-sex relationships. After the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2019, Saudi Arabia, like the UAE, engaged influencers to help repair its public image—a move that was similarly condemned by human rights organizations. In today’s digital age, celebrities wield immense influence over public perception, making their endorsements particularly potent tools for image management by nations seeking to appeal to Western audiences.

However, the flip side of this power is accountability. When celebrities promote destinations or products associated with controversial policies, they often come under fire from fans and activists alike. Hemsworth, who has been a global ambassador for Tourism Australia, finds himself at the intersection of a growing ethical debate. Fans voiced disappointment on social media, criticizing him for promoting tourism in a country with restrictive policies, calling for more awareness and responsibility from public figures.

The Complex Role of Celebrity Endorsements in Global Tourism

This controversy surrounding Hemsworth’s campaign underscores a larger conversation about celebrity endorsements and tourism. When stars associate themselves with destinations that have poor human rights records, they run the risk of appearing complicit or dismissive of these issues. However, the growing prevalence of such campaigns indicates that more countries are relying on celebrity power to help reshape global perceptions.

For Hemsworth and other celebrities, this poses a difficult choice between lucrative opportunities and ethical considerations. While endorsements from high-profile figures can boost tourism revenue and promote cultural exchange, they may also whitewash ongoing issues that deserve international attention and scrutiny.

Looking Ahead: Ethical Tourism and Informed Choices

As global tourism continues to recover and expand post-pandemic, travelers increasingly prioritize ethics in their decisions. The concept of ethical tourism, which encourages travelers to support destinations that uphold human rights, environmental standards, and community welfare, is gaining traction. In this light, the criticism surrounding Hemsworth’s campaign serves as a reminder of the influence celebrities wield and the responsibility that comes with it.

While Hemsworth has not responded to requests for comment, the incident highlights an ongoing shift in consumer expectations: the need for transparency, ethical responsibility, and social consciousness. For fans and advocates, this shift underscores a desire to see public figures not just as entertainers but as influential voices capable of promoting positive social change.

For travelers and consumers interested in ethically-conscious tourism, choosing destinations that prioritize human rights and sustainability can have a lasting impact. As the dialogue around tourism and human rights continues, informed choices remain a powerful tool for advocacy.