Climate Activist Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Degas Sculpture Case

Joanna Smith faces sentencing in April 2024, while co-accused Tim Martin declines plea deal and opts for trial.

Joanna Smith, a climate activist, pleaded guilty to defacing the case of an Edgar Degas sculpture at the National Gallery of Art.
Smith and fellow activist Tim Martin were charged with causing $2,400 in damages by smearing paint on the case of the 'Little Dancer Aged Fourteen' sculpture.
Martin declined a plea deal and is expected to go to trial next year.
Smith's sentencing is scheduled for April 2024, with potential penalties including up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The act of vandalism is part of a series of similar protests by climate activists, leading to proposed legislation to increase penalties for damaging art or other property at National Gallery of Art and other Washington museums.