Lots of controversy and backlash this week.
One theme seems to be prevalent - the revaluation of what and how we should experience cultural today and who should be creating it.
Exciting for me to see that the unknown Chinese animated film is breaking world-wide records, the celebration of Malayalam writers and that Wendy Williams might be getting justice on her ongoing case.
So from my DMs to yours, here are the culture stories that made major headlines around the world between March 9 – 17, 2025.
Enjoy.
Art
UK MPs Push to End Display of Ancestral Remains in Museums, Urge Repatriation
British lawmakers and activists are urging the UK government and museums to cease displaying ancestral human remains acquired during the colonial era and to repatriate them. These include mummified bodies, skulls and other body parts. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR) highlights that retaining such remains causes deep distress to descendant communities. They recommend legal reforms to facilitate repatriation, prohibit the sale of human remains, and suggest establishing a memorial or burial site in the UK for remains with unknown origins due to colonial violence.
Source: The Guardian, Reuters
Architect Yasmine Lauri Declines Wolf Prize in Solidarity with Gaza
Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined the Wolf Prize in Architecture, from the Israel based not-for-profit Wolf Foundation, citing concerns over the ongoing violence in Gaza. Lari, known for her sustainable and humanitarian architectural projects, expressed that accepting the award amidst such circumstances would be inappropriate.
Source: Dezeen
Google and Barjeel Art Foundation Present Virtual Exhibition Spotlighting Arab Women in Abstract Art
I was very excited to report that Sharjah’s Barjeel Art Foundation has curated a special digital exhibition with Google Arts & Culture to celebrate Arab woman in the field of abstract art. Available to view online right now, for free, the newly launched Pocket Gallery is a digital experience that will take you through a detailed, informative art exhibition where you can learn and explore the evolution of abstract art through the lens of Arab women artists.
You can read the story and our exclusive quotes from both the Barjeel Art Foundation and Google in the link below.
Source: The Culturelist
Greek MP Detained for Vandalizing 'Blasphemous' Artworks at National Gallery
Greek Member of Parliament Nikolaos Papadopoulos, who represents the Niki party, has been detained by police for vandalizing four artworks by artist Christoforos Katsadiotis at the Athens' National Gallery.
Papadopoulos allegedly vandalised the works because he deemed them "blasphemous" to Orthodox Christianity. The incident led to his temporary detention and the gallery's closure. The Culture Ministry has stated that it “never engages in acts of censorship” while the gallery condemned the act, emphasising constitutional artistic freedom.
Source: AP
Ancient Buddha Head to Reunite with Recently Discovered Body in Cambodia's
Archaeologists at Cambodia's Angkor temple complex have unearthed a 12th or 13th-century sandstone Buddha torso near Ta Prohm temple that is believed to be connected to a head that was found onsite in 1927. An optical scan confirmed the match with the head which is currently housed in Phnom Penh's National Museum. Plans are underway to reassemble the statue, marking a significant cultural restoration.
Literature
Meta Blocks Ex-Exec's Memoir which Alleges misconduct and harassment
Former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams has been blocked from promoting or further distributing copies of her recent memoir titled Careless People. The memoir details alleged misconduct and harassment within Meta Platforms, particularly by CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. In response, Meta secured an emergency arbitration ruling to halt Wynn-Williams from promoting or distributing the book, citing a violation of her 2017 non-disparagement agreement. Despite this, publisher Macmillan has vowed to continue supporting and promoting the book, criticising Meta's attempts to silence the author.
Source: BBC, Vanity Fair
London Book Fair 2025 Round Up
The London Book Fair 2025 attracted approximately 30,000 industry professionals who engaged in discussions on festival funding controversies, book-to-screen adaptations, and the handling of contentious classics. The event addressed festival sponsorships, the surge in romance, new acquisitions from authors like Tess Sharpe and Rebecca Yarros, debates over publishing classic books containing offensive content, strategies to combat declining children's reading habits and more.
Source: The Guardian
Penguin to Release Annotated Edition of Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch for 10th Anniversary
Penguin is set to release a definitive annotated edition of Terry Pratchett's acclaimed Discworld novel, Night Watch. The novel will be released on April 24 ahead of Terry Pratchett Day on April 28, marking the 10th anniversary of his passing. The edition will feature a foreword by Rob Wilkins, managing director of Pratchett's estate, and include an introduction and annotations by Dr. David Lloyd and Dr. Darryl Jones, both of whom had personal and professional connections with Pratchett, and will offer context and insights into Pratchett's legacy.
Source: The Bookseller
Kerala Launches India's First Literary Tourism Circuit Celebrating Malayalam Writers
Kerala is developing India's first literary tourism circuit in its northern Malabar region, aiming to celebrate the rich literary heritage of Malayalam writers. The Malabar Literary Tourism Circuit will encompass museums and memorials dedicated to literary figures such as Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, O.V. Vijayan, Thunchathu Ezhuthachan, S.K. Pottekkatt, and M.T. Vasudevan Nair. This initiative connects the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad, enhancing cultural tourism and honouring the legacy of these esteemed authors.
Source: Hindustan Times
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to 'Decolonize' Museum
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon plans to "decolonize" its museum experience, aiming for greater inclusivity. This initiative follows research suggesting that promoting Shakespeare as a universal genius has reinforced white European supremacy. The Trust will reassess its collections to address potentially offensive content and explore the impact of colonialism on interpretations of Shakespeare's work. Efforts include diversifying programming to celebrate global cultural contributions.
Source: Daily Mail, Telegraph
Entertainment
Pokemon GO sells to Saudi-Owned Scopely for $3.5 Billion
Niantic, the developer behind Pokemon GO has agreed to sell its gaming division to Scopely, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, for $3.5 billion. This sale includes popular titles like Pokemon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now along with companion apps Campfire and Wayfarer. Despite launching almost a decade ago, Pokemon Go is still among the highest-grossing mobile games in the world, with 30 million monthly players. The deal marks the latest step by Saudi Arabia to develop its gaming industry.
Ted Lasso Set to Return for Season Four
Apple TV+ has officially renewed Ted Lasso for a fourth season with Jason Sudeikis returning as Coach Ted Lasso. The new season is set to introduce a women's football team, expanding the show's narrative. While Sudeikis' return is confirmed, the participation of other main cast members remains uncertain. A premiere date for the upcoming season has yet to be announced.
Source: Deadline
Meghan Markle Launches New Podcast Focusing on Female Founders
Meghan Markle is set to launch a new podcast titled Confessions of a Female Founder produced in collaboration with Lemonada Media. Debuting on April 8 the eight-episode series will feature candid conversations between Markle and other female entrepreneurs, sharing insights into their business journeys. This venture aligns with her recent entrepreneurial efforts, including the establishment of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The podcast will be available on major platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Source: Variety
Chinese Animated Film Becomes Highest-Grossing Animation Worldwide with $2.07 Billion
Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has achieved remarkable global box office success, surpassing ¥15 billion (approximately $2.07 billion) positioning it as the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. Ne Zha 2 has now overtaken previous record-holder Inside Out 2 and has also entered the top five highest-grossing films globally, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Released in January, Ne Zha 2 continues to draw significant attention, reflecting a growing global interest in Chinese animation.
Source: Deadline, The Guardian
Nikki Glaser to Return as Golden Globes Host After Historic Solo Debut
Comedian and actress Nikki Glaser is set to return to host the Golden Globes in January 2026, as announced by CBS and the Golden Globes. Glaser made history in 2025 as the first solo female host of the event, receiving positive critical feedback. Despite the acclaim, viewership declined by 2% from the previous year, averaging 9.3 million viewers according to Nielsen data. Glaser expressed excitement about hosting again, humorously aspiring for a role in The White Lotus.
Fashion
Donatella Versace Steps Down as Creative Director of Versace
Donatella Versace has been replaced as the creative director of Versace by Dario Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, effective April 1. Donatella, who took over after her brother Gianni's death in 1997, will now serve as chief brand ambassador. This change, announced by parent company Capri Holdings, aims to rejuvenate Versace's bold image and boost accessory sales. There is also speculation of a potential sale of Versace to the Prada Group, though no official statements have been made. Donatella expressed pride in her contributions and commitment to supporting the brand's legacy in her new role.
Source: AP
Demna Gvasalia's Gucci Appointment Sees 12% Drop in Kering Shares
Gucci's appointment of Demna Gvasalia as artistic director has led to a significant 12% drop in Kering's shares. Demna’s appointment at Gucci has seen some backlash after the controversy of Balenciaga’s 2022 ad campaigns where one featured children with teddy bears and what was deemed as inappropriate themed gear and another with hidden messages that allude to pedophilia. Analysts have also expressed skepticism about Demna's fit for Gucci's heritage, given his streetwear-centric approach at Balenciaga. Gucci's recent 24% sales decline underscores the urgency for revitalisation. Kering's CEO remains confident that Demna's creativity will rejuvenate the brand.
Source: Diet Prada, The Cut, Reuters
Duran Lantink reportedly to head Jean Paul Gaultier
According to industry sources, Jean Paul Gaultier has reportedly appointed Dutch designer Duran Lantink as the brand's new creative director. While Jean Paul Gaultier has not yet responded confirmed the appointment, this move marks the beginning of a new era for the house. Lantink is known for his unconventional, upcycled designs, and has gained recognition for his inventive use of dead stock and his bold, deconstructed silhouettes.
Source: Fashion Network
John Anderson Exits Loewe
Jonathan Anderson is leaving Loewe after 11 years as creative director. Under his leadership Anderson transformed the brand significantly increasing its sales from €230 million in 2014 to €1.07 billion in 2024. Loewe became renowned for its experimental collections and craftsmanship with key items like the Puzzle bag. Anderson also expanded the brand through innovative collaborations with Studio Ghibli, Paula’s Ibiza, and Swiss running shoe brand On.
Source: Vogue Business
Pop Culture
Kanye West Released New Song with Daughter North and Diddy Amid Legal Dispute with Kim Kardashian
Kanye West released a new song, Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine, featuring his daughter North West, Diddy, and his son Christian Combs. The song's release followed a dispute with Kim Kardashian, who attempted to block it through legal measures. Kardashian opposed North's involvement, citing concerns over West’s behaviour and Diddy's ongoing legal issues. Despite Kardashian’s attempts to prevent it, West posted the song online. Tensions between the couple have escalated, as West shared text exchanges with Kardashian, revealing ongoing conflict over their personal and professional decisions.
Source: TMZ, Rolling Stones
Wendy Williams Removed from Facility, Passes Mental Capacity Test Amid Conservatorship Fight
Wendy Williams was removed from her assisted living facility by the NYPD on March 10, after dropping a distress note reading "Help! Wendy!!" from her window. Authorities conducted a wellness check, and Williams was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Williams reportedly scored 10 out of 10 on the capacity test, leading her to claim she "passed with flying colours." The 60-year-old has been under a legal guardianship since 2022 due to health issues, with her guardian claiming she is cognitively impaired. Williams has contested this, saying she feels imprisoned in the facility and has requested a new medical evaluation. The situation follows ongoing legal battles over her conservatorship.
Source: New York Post, People, The Guardian
Jason Isaacs Faces Backlash Over Comments on White Lotus Full-Frontal Scene
Jason Isaacs, star of White Lotus Season 3 is facing criticism after discussing his full-frontal scene in a CBS Mornings interview. He noted that while actresses like Mikey Madison and Margaret Qualley aren't questioned about their nudity, male actors, including himself, face scrutiny over prosthetic use. Social media users labelled his comments as "tone-deaf," highlighting women's historical objectification and frequent scrutiny regarding their appearances. Despite Isaacs' reluctance to confirm prosthetic use, co-stars Sam Nivola and Sarah Catherine Hook previously revealed he wore one for the scene.
Source: Page Six
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy’s Deaths Under Scrutiny After Doctor’s Conflicting Claim
The timeline and circumstances surrounding the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are coming under further scrutiny. Dr Josiah Child, who leads Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, claims that Arakawa contacted his clinic on February 12 to schedule a medical appointment for Hackman, contradicting the official date of her death, February 11.
Source: Daily Mail