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Protester Disrupts British Museum Pink Ball, Renewing Scrutiny of BP Deal

Sector guidance urging a move away from contentious sponsors has sharpened scrutiny of the museum’s BP funding.

Overview

  • The woman gained access as a waitress and interrupted George Osborne with a “DROP BP NOW” sign, challenging the museum’s £50 million, decade-long sponsorship from BP.
  • Energy Embargo for Palestine posted video of the action and called for an ethics committee to oversee future funding, partnerships and political events.
  • The inaugural Pink Ball charged £2,000 per ticket and generated about £1.6 million from ticket sales for the museum’s international partnerships.
  • Greece’s culture minister lodged a complaint about hosting dinner among the Parthenon marbles, calling the decision “provocative indifference.”
  • Gala co-chair Isha Ambani and Reliance’s ties to the museum drew criticism, and performer M.I.A. referenced BP on stage before later urging direct government support in a post.