Marc Marquez shocks by using entire prize money at Aragon GP to protest PRIDE MONTH celebrations this June – he says “WOKE” is not worth celebrating!!
In a shocking turn of events, eight-time Grand Prix World Champion Marc Marquez has sparked widespread controversy by announcing his intention to donate the entirety of his prize money from the 2025 Aragon Grand Prix to campaigns opposing the celebration of Pride Month in June. The Spanish motorcycle racing icon, fresh off a dominant victory at MotorLand Aragon on June 8, 2025, declared that he believes the “woke” movement, as he described it, does not deserve to be celebrated. This bold statement has ignited a firestorm of debate within the motorsport community and beyond, raising questions about Marquez’s motivations and the broader implications of his actions.
Marquez’s triumph at the Aragon Grand Prix was nothing short of spectacular. The 32-year-old Ducati Lenovo Team rider delivered a masterclass performance, securing pole position by a commanding eight-tenths of a second, winning the sprint race, and clinching the main race with a lead of over two seconds. This victory, his 60th in MotoGP and his first since the Qatar Grand Prix earlier in the season, solidified his position as the championship leader. According to reports, Marquez earned a modest €306 for his victory, a sum he has now pledged to use in a manner that has left fans and critics alike reeling.
Following the race, Marquez took to the media to explain his decision, stating that he views the increasing emphasis on what he calls “woke” ideologies, including Pride Month, as a distraction from the core values of sport and competition. “I respect everyone’s choices, but I don’t believe we need to dedicate entire months to these celebrations,” Marquez said in a press conference. “The focus should be on unity and performance, not on pushing agendas that divide us. I’m using my prize money to support causes that align with my beliefs—causes that bring people together, not separate them.” His comments have been interpreted by many as a direct critique of Pride Month, an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, which takes place globally in June.
The reaction to Marquez’s announcement has been polarized. Supporters of the rider, particularly those who share his views, have praised his courage for taking a stand against what they perceive as excessive political correctness in modern society. On social media platforms like X, some users have lauded Marquez as a “hero” for challenging mainstream narratives, with one post stating, “Finally, someone in sports with the guts to say what many are thinking!” Others, however, have condemned his actions as insensitive and divisive, accusing him of using his platform to marginalize an already vulnerable community. “Marquez’s talent on the track doesn’t excuse this,” one critic wrote. “He’s alienating fans who just want to enjoy racing without politics.”
This is not the first time Marquez has found himself at the center of controversy. In 2018, he faced scrutiny in his hometown of Cervera, Catalonia, when a planned celebration of his seventh world championship title was altered due to a political banner supporting Catalan prisoners displayed at the town hall. Marquez, who has consistently avoided taking public stances on political issues, opted to celebrate in the streets rather than on the balcony to sidestep the controversy. His decision to remain neutral in that instance contrasts sharply with his current outspokenness, leading some to speculate that his views may have evolved or that he feels emboldened by his recent success and status within Ducati’s factory team.
The decision to donate his prize money to anti-Pride campaigns has also raised questions about the precedent it sets for athletes using their earnings to fund personal causes. While Marquez’s €306 may seem like a small sum compared to the multimillion-dollar salaries of other sports stars, the symbolic weight of his gesture is undeniable. In 2025, Marquez made headlines for donating a similar €306 prize from the Thailand Grand Prix to orphanages, a move that was widely praised for its generosity. The contrast between that act of charity and his current decision has left many puzzled, with some questioning whether Marquez is seeking to provoke or simply expressing a deeply held belief.
Critics argue that Marquez’s comments risk overshadowing his remarkable achievements on the track. His 2025 season has been a testament to his resilience and skill, with three wins in the first four feature races and six consecutive sprint victories. His dominance at Aragon, a track that suits his riding style, was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. Yet, the focus has shifted from his athletic prowess to his controversial stance, with media outlets and fans dissecting his every word.
The broader implications of Marquez’s actions extend beyond MotoGP. As a global sports figure, his comments could influence other athletes to take similar stands, potentially deepening divisions in an already polarized world. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have called for dialogue with Marquez, urging him to reconsider his position and engage with the community to understand the importance of Pride Month. Meanwhile, MotoGP officials have remained silent on the issue, likely wary of wading into a contentious debate that could alienate portions of their fanbase.
As the 2025 MotoGP season progresses, Marquez’s performance on the track will undoubtedly remain a focal point. However, his decision to use his Aragon prize money to protest Pride Month has cast a long shadow over his achievements. Whether this move will define his legacy or become a footnote in his storied career remains to be seen. For now, the racing world watches closely, waiting to see how Marquez navigates the fallout from this bold and divisive stance.
