In a tearful Instagram Live from his Florida home, fresh off his Notable Legacy III Junior Golf National Championship win, Charlie declared: “I’m not your toy for amusement.”
Detailing unwanted touching and suggestive whispers from a female executive about a “deeper partnership” beyond golf, the teenager’s revelation — viewed 3.9 million times — sparked a #BoycottEmirates movement that slashed the airline’s stock by 3% in hours, while Chairman Sheikh Ahmed’s swift apology left Charlie emotional and golf fans rallying fiercely.

The incident occurred at Emirates’ March 2025 “Future Stars” gala, where Charlie — signed as a junior ambassador after his 2024 PNC Championship runner-up finish with Tiger — was a guest alongside tennis star Coco Gauff.
Per Charlie’s account, shared on X and amplified by @PGATOUR, a 57-year-old female VP of global events cornered him during a VIP photo session.
“She kept touching my arm, my shoulder, whispering about ‘special opportunities’ and ‘private meetings’,” Charlie said, voice trembling.
“I’m 15, here to rep golf, not be treated like that.”
He reported it to Emirates’ staff, receiving a dismissive “misunderstanding” response.
His decision to go public came after Emirates’ $5 million PGA Tour sponsorship renewal, which he called “a betrayal” given their inaction.

Golf fans erupted. #StandWithCharlie soared to 3.4 million X posts by noon, with fans roaring: “Emirates disrespects our young star—#boycott.”
One tweeted, while another shared Charlie’s clutch 60 at Koasati Pines, captioned: “This boy’s heart is pure!”
Palm Beach clubs pulled Emirates ads, and PGA Junior League events swapped airline banners for “Team Woods” signs, per sources.
The financial hit was swift — Emirates’ stock (EAD:EK) dropped 3.2% in Dubai trading, shedding $1.9 billion in market cap, per Bloomberg.
The PGA Tour, where Charlie’s NIL deals top $500,000, issued a statement supporting him, while AUGGA officials vowed “full backing” for potential legal action.
“Charlie’s courage is golf’s pride,” tweeted Notah Begay III.
Emirates responded urgently. Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum issued a 9:30 a.m. statement: “We are devastated by Mr. Woods’ experience. The individual’s actions violate our values.
She is suspended, and a full investigation is underway. We’ve personally apologized to Charlie.”
The call, shared on Charlie’s Live, left him in tears: “I just wanted respect,” he said, voice cracking.
“This is for kids who feel silenced.”
Ahmed’s pledge to fund a $200,000 junior golf scholarship in Charlie’s name and overhaul conduct policies eased some fan outrage, but #boycottemirates persists at 1.8 million posts, demanding accountability.
The fallout elevates Charlie’s rising star. With a G* under 211 to win the NBO title and a two-AUGA ranking, the teen is a .8 Amateur favorite.
Tiger Woods, caddying for Charlie, told Golf Channel: “My son’s strength humbles me.”
As Charlie eyes the 2026 PNC Championship, his stand — born from a gala gone wrong — solidifies his legacy.
Not just a golf heir, but a voice against indignity. Nick Faldo, on CBS, saluted him: “Charlie’s got Tiger’s fire.”
In golf’s spotlight, where young stars are often props, Charlie’s tears and truth swing louder than any driver.