A bit of a laugh or insensitive? Greg Norman slammed over Covid-19 message

Greg Norman has found himself in hot water this week after what was meant to be a motivating message amid the coronavirus crisis, had some calling him insensitive and disrespectful.

The Aussie golfing legend took to social media in hopes of bringing some light and maybe a laugh to those doing it tough during the Covid-19 outbreak with a short message and video.

“No matter what anyone says we can make it!” he wrote on Twitter. “Sending positive to all today, we WILL get through this chaos. Hope this lightens your day. Be safe, be smart and above all stay healthy.”

No matter what anyone says we all can make it! Sending positive vibes to all today, we WILL get through this chaos. Hope this lightens your day. Be safe, smart, and above all stay healthy. #TBT pic.twitter.com/RozVQV8N0i

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) March 26, 2020

Although the message itself seems harmless, it was a video shared beside it of Norman in a television ad for Swan Lager that he starred in during the 1980s that caused some outrage. In the ad a younger Norman is seen struggling with his golf game before taking a swig of the beer and hitting the ball right into the hole.

Unfortunately for Norman, some slammed the golfer for his Tweet claiming he was being insensitive and self-indulgent.

“The world is going into lockdown, thousands of people are losing their jobs, people are dying. Grey Norman ‘How can I make this about me’,” @hotwillydog commented on the post.

“This video is the most self-indulgent, insensitive piece of entitled crap I have ever seen,” @noisywoman said. While @Spotlover12 added: “Stroking your own ego AND profiteering in this global tragedy. Way to go Greg, even for you. #pathetic.”

However, there were others who took Greg’s message as a chance to smile and have a laugh amid what is a devastating time for many. Fans of the golf star thanked him for trying to brighten the mood and take their mind away from the coronavirus outbreak.

“A blast from the past,” @GregChinery commented on the post. “In the first 10 secs [sic] I thought the soundtrack was from an ad. Then I realised it WAS the ad. It actually did brighten my day and in the most nostalgic of ways.”

“Lol. Good reminder to breathe and take some time to laugh in these stressful times,” @eric_imhoff said. “Wow, that was blast from the past, love it!” @TdW_59 added.

Over the past few weeks the Australian Government has enforced strict social-distancing measures and encouraged people to self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, everything from restaurants and cafes to museums and beauty salons have been forced into closure, as cases of Covid-19 continue to rise.