97,000 Complaints Filed Over Right-Wing Smear Campaign Against Misan Harriman

Over 97,000 people have filed complaints with the UK's Independent Press Standards Organisation after right-leaning media, like the Telegraph and Daily Mail, accused Misan Harriman, who chairs the Southbank Centre board, of antisemitism. An open letter backing Harriman, originally signed by 245 individuals including Tracey Emin and Greta Thunberg, now has over 20,000 signatures. Harriman, who became chair in 2021 and is a photographer and human rights advocate, rejected the claims, stating that his activism for causes like Black Lives Matter drew ire only after he criticized Israel's actions in Palestine. The controversy began with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks on antisemitism after a stabbing incident in Golders Green. The Southbank Centre supports Harriman's right to express his views, as this situation highlights ongoing diversity issues in British arts organizations.