Martin Solveig apologises for asking Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg to “twerk” on stage

The French DJ Marin Solveig faced criticism after asking the first female Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg if she knew how to twerk moments after she won the award. She swiftly responded with ‘No’.

Martin Solveig was there playing music throughout the ceremony. Was asking everyone there favourite dance moves throughout. Afterwards, there was widespread criticism on social media with many considering it to be sexual harassment.

He took to Twitter after an issued a statement on the issue!

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 pic.twitter.com/pnZX8qvl4R

— Martin Solveig (@martinsolveig) December 3, 2018

Solveig later posted a picture on Twitter of him and Hegerberg shaking hands.

I explained to @AdaStolsmo the buzz and she told me she understood it was a joke. Nevertheless my apologies to anyone who may have been offended. Most importantly congratulations to Ada pic.twitter.com/DATdg0TfQk

— Martin Solveig (@martinsolveig) December 3, 2018

Speaking to BBC Sport, she said: “He came to me afterwards and was really sad that it went that way. I didn’t really think about it at the time.

“I was just happy to do the dance and win the Ballon d’Or, to be honest. I will have a glass of champagne when I get back.”

Her Lyon team-mate Lucy Bronze, an England defender and Ballon d’Or nominee, told BBC Sport it was “just a joke”.

“The DJ asked each person that won what their dance was but she can twerk, she was lying,” she added. “It was more of a joke of making her dance.”

What do you think of this controversy?