Several celebrities have recently withdrawn from a fundraising committee for the British Museum, amid rising scrutiny over the museum’s ties to controversial sponsors, notably British Petroleum (BP) and companies linked to Israel. This withdrawal is seen as a response to pressures from climate justice and pro-Palestine advocacy groups.
Celebrity Withdrawals Amid Controversy
Notable figures such as actor Idris Elba, designer Bella Freud, and author Zadie Smith have reportedly been removed from the event’s committee. The Energy Embargo for Palestine (EEFP) and Culture Unstained, two campaign groups, urged these celebrities to step down, citing the museum’s long association with BP and the company’s role in ongoing conflicts. Despite the withdrawals, the British Museum has denied that these actions are linked to external pressures or criticism.
Event Overview: The British Museum Ball
The British Museum’s inaugural “Pink Ball” is marketed as a major highlight on the social calendar, aimed at rivaling the Met Gala in New York. The event is themed around pink, celebrating the vibrant culture of India, coinciding with the museum’s exhibition, “Ancient India: Living Traditions.” Tickets for the gala have been priced at £2,000 per person, with tables for ten available for £20,000.
Despite the lavish plans, concerns persist regarding the event’s moral implications. Since the signing of a £50 million sponsorship deal with BP earlier this year, critics have highlighted the company’s alleged complicity in human rights violations in Gaza. BP has faced criticism for its operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which supplies 28% of Israel’s crude oil.
Connections to Controversial Sponsors
- The Ambani family, owners of Reliance Industries, are among the event’s sponsors.
- Reliance has ties to the Israeli military through its defense initiatives.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the moral implications of collaborating with such companies.
Prominent activists have voiced their opposition to the British Museum using its platform to forge alliances with corporations accused of contributing to humanitarian crises.
Staff Concerns and Institutional Complications
The Pink Ball has reignited tensions among museum staff who previously expressed frustration over the museum’s handling of events, especially regarding its ties to the Israeli embassy. Many staff members feel unheard, expressing concerns about staging such events near priceless artifacts like the Parthenon Marbles.
A staff member indicated the potential risk to these sensitive objects, highlighting that the arrangements around the event could lead to irreversible damage.
Ethical Implications and Future Directions
As the British Museum endeavors to balance profitability with ethical considerations, campaigners like Culture Unstained argue that holding events funded by controversial sponsors undermines the very mission of cultural preservation. With calls for a shift away from fossil fuel sponsorships gaining momentum, the future of such high-profile events remains uncertain.
The British Museum maintained that it regularly hosts corporate events and reassured the public of its ongoing commitment to engage with cultural groups worldwide. However, the backlash from staff and activists suggests a need for more transparency and sensitivity in planning future events.
