George Clooney, whose statement on the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece has caused intense reactions in Britain, came back on the subject and released a statement arguing that he strongly believes in the things he said, while also giving his own answer to the insulting comments made by Boris Johnson, the mayor of London.
“An occupying nation can’t sell off the national heritage of the country it occupies,” mentioned Clooney in his statement, while also saying that one must only take a look at the real historic facts surrounding the Parthenon marbles and the rulings by UNESCO, that have been agreed by all parties. As he explained, Britain acquired the marbles as part of a deal the country struck with the Ottomans, who had occupied the Greek territory, while adding, “It was a single monument broken into bits. It would be as if the statue of David’s head were sold to England, his arm to the Vatican and his torso to the Met.”
Clooney also added, “There are many pieces in nearly every country that this conversation should take place. The best place to start would be at the most obvious object.” He also addressed the fact that the Vatican has already returned many of Parthenon’s pieces.
“Maybe it’s just easier to compare me to Hitler,” said the actor, referring to the statements of Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who had claimed the previous day that the actor was “advocating nothing less than the Hitlerian agenda for London’s cultural treasures,” accusing Clooney of losing his own marbles.
“I’m a great fan of the mayor, and I’m sure my right honorable friend had no real intention of comparing me to Hitler. I’d chalk it up to a little too much hyperbole washed down with a few whiskies,” was the answer provided by Clooney.
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