Conspiracy Theory Claims a Man Is Trapped Inside Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate

A bizarre conspiracy theory has emerged around Anish Kapoor's iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park, known as 'The Bean.' On July 31, 2025, during the opening day of the Lollapalooza music festival, a group called 'Man in Bean' protested outside the 110-ton, 20-meter-long, 10-meter-tall stainless steel work, claiming a man has been trapped inside since its construction between 2004 and 2006. They allege Kapoor imprisoned a newborn inside the sculpture, which survives via air vents and food supplies during maintenance closures. The group demands his release, urging people to contact Chicago's 42nd Ward alderman Brendan Reilly. Reilly responded humorously, confirming no one is trapped and jokingly suggesting the man was freed years ago. Artist Stuart Semple, a long-time rival of Kapoor, capitalized on the theory by launching a fake 'AirB&Bean' platform offering stays inside the sculpture for $10, including a signed 'Bean key' and gummy candies, with a disclaimer that purchasers must not be Anish Kapoor. Kapoor has not commented.