The Schelling Architecture Foundation’s decision to withdraw its prize from James Bridle for signing a letter boycotting Israeli institutions sparks intense debate, highlighting the complex interplay between artistic freedom, historical responsibility, and Germany’s evolving stance on antisemitism.
Lawyers in Delhi will be boycotting work on Monday, November 4, to protest the assault of their colleagues by police in a Ghaziabad courtroom. The incident, which involved baton-wielding police officers, occurred after a disagreement between a judge and protesting lawyers. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has condemned the assault, calling it a violation of rights and the rule of law, and demanded an inquiry into the conduct of the judge and dismissal of those involved.
Opposition MPs boycotted the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging that the committee is not functioning ethically and according to the principles and norms of a JPC. They cited ethical concerns as the reason for their boycott.
The Great Escape music festival will no longer be sponsored by Barclays after over 130 artists boycotted the 2024 edition due to the bank’s ties to companies supplying weapons to Israel. The boycott, organized by Bands Boycott Barclays and supported by the BDS movement, highlights the growing pressure on companies to divest from arms manufacturers and end support for the Israeli military. This victory comes after similar boycotts at other UK festivals, demonstrating the power of collective action in the music industry.
Spain has announced a boycott of the upcoming inauguration of Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, due to the exclusion of King Felipe VI from the guest list. The Spanish government deemed this unacceptable, citing strong historical and economic ties between the two nations.
Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Bud Light is attempting to win back conservative consumers after a 2023 boycott sparked by a controversial marketing campaign featuring trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. Their new strategy involves partnering with comedian Shane Gillis, known for his offbeat humor, for a college football-themed ad campaign. This move targets a key demographic of loyal beer drinkers, hoping to revitalize the brand and recapture its former popularity.
The president of the Thai Tourism Association has distanced his organization from comments made by a vice president suggesting a boycott of South Korea due to a lack of attractions. The comments have sparked controversy and led to a noticeable shift in Thai travelers’ preferences towards Japan and China.
A new law in Turkey allowing the mass killing of stray dogs has sparked outrage in the UK, with tourists vowing to boycott the country. Animal welfare activists and holidaymakers are condemning the legislation, which they say is inhumane and ineffective. The potential economic impact on Turkey’s tourism industry could be significant.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has filed a lawsuit against several major companies, alleging they conspired to boycott the platform, causing significant financial losses. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, names the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, World Federation of Advertisers, Unilever, and other companies. Musk claims he attempted to resolve the issue peacefully for two years but has now declared ‘war’ on the advertisers.
The upcoming Captain America film, starring Anthony Mackie, has sparked controversy with the inclusion of an Israeli character, Ruth Bat-Seraph, portrayed by Shira Haas. The character’s altered background, originally an Israeli Mossad agent named Sabra in the comics, has ignited calls for a boycott from both pro-Israel and anti-Israel groups. While Marvel claims the changes aim for a modern take, some fans are unhappy with the character’s prominence and the potential overshadowing of Mackie’s first solo Captain America film.
