Democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman Heather Hutt committed the ‘ultimate faux pas’ during LAFC’s introductory press conference with Son Heung-min by suggesting the South Korean soccer sensation could help the United States win next summer’s World Cup.
‘How smart is LAFC? Let’s give it up, because this is the right time to bring the right person. And no pressure, but when a World Cup comes, we’re expecting a win here in Los Angeles for the USA, aren’t we? And so we are here to support you to get that done,’ Hutt said, staring at Son.
Son, who had her comment translated to him, simply laughed in response, but not everyone was so nice about Hutt’s mistake.
‘Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt (10th District), whose area includes Koreatown, committed the ultimate faux pas,’ wrote Philadelphia Union beat reporter José Roberto Nuñez. ‘Yes, to Son. Heung. Min.’
The World Cup will be hosted primarily in the United States next summer, with SoFi Stadium in nearby Inglewood being the stage for two of the three group-stage games for the American squad against yet-to-be-determined opponents.
Son will likely play at the tournament, as South Korea has qualified for the event, which expands to 48 teams in 2026.
Hutt came off as excited for her hometown to garner a player of Son’s quality but did not appear to understand how the World Cup works.
Heather Hutt hilariously asked Son Heung-min, if he will help the USA win the World Cup
Son is South Korean and his responsibilities with the club not doubling into the World Cup
Son was introduced by LAFC on Wednesday, with Hutt’s comments coming as part of the event to welcome him after he exited Tottenham after 10 years.
‘I want to welcome you to our city,’ Hutt added. ‘This is the way you do it, right? It is Los Angeles. It is a beautiful city. It’s somewhere that we call the tapestry, and we love it here, and we’re so glad to have you. Your bringing your smile and your talent, your culture, to LAFC.’
Daily Mail has reached out to Hutt for clarification on her comments but did not receive an immediate response.
Hutt gave a little background as the councilwoman representing Los Angeles’ 10th District, the home of Koreatown, stating that it has more Koreans than any other city in the United States and has ‘the best food’ in the country.
This is not the first time a world-renowned foreign soccer player has been asked about winning a World Cup upon their arrival on US soil. German sensation Bastian Schweinsteiger, fresh off helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup, was bizarrely asked if he would do the same with the Chicago Fire in 2017.
