Why has it become so controversial for Ronaldo and his partner to live together in Saudi Arabia?
It has become controversial for Ronaldo and his partner to live together in Saudi Arabia because the country adheres to strict traditional values and conservative social norms, and cohabitation between unmarried couples is generally not accepted. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has laws that strictly govern the behavior of foreigners and expatriates living in the country, and breaking these laws can result in severe penalties. It's also worth noting that there are differences in culture, values and laws between countries and not all actions or behaviors that are accepted in one country, would be accepted in another.
It's also worth noting that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim-majority country and Islamic law, or sharia, is a significant influence on the country's legal system. Under sharia, premarital sex is considered a sin, and it is also illegal under Saudi law. This has led to criticism and controversy over the fact that a high-profile athlete like Ronaldo, who is not Muslim, is able to openly flout these laws and customs while living in the country.
Additionally, many people have raised questions and concerns about the broader human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. The country has been criticized for its treatment of women, minorities, and political dissidents, as well as its use of the death penalty. There are also limitations on freedom of speech and press, and restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly. Due to these reasons, many critics view the decision of Ronaldo to live in Saudi Arabia as contradictory to his status as a public figure, and to his moral compass.
Furthermore, some people have also raised concerns about the use of Saudi Arabia as a destination for entertainment and tourism, while human rights abuses continue in the country. The Saudi government has been working to promote the country as a destination for international sporting events, concerts and other forms of entertainment, as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. This strategy has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it whitewashes the country's human rights record and allows the government to use these events as a form of propaganda.
Furthermore, this also raises ethical questions on the role of celebrity athletes, who by living in Saudi Arabia, may indirectly endorse the country's practices, despite the country's human rights record.
It is important to understand that this is a complex issue and there are multiple perspectives on it. Some people believe that it's not the responsibility of celebrities to take political stance, while others believe that they have an moral obligation to use their platform to promote positive change.
