Historian of art, Dutch, Jewish and French history; Columbia University professor
The British Museum has postponed a lecture on ancient Israel and Judah as part of Jewish Culture Month after warning that a significant portion of registered attendees planned to disrupt the event. Officials say the talk will be rescheduled to a date that ensures the audience can participate safely and without intimidation. The move follows earlier discussions about protest and free expression.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has used an 82nd D‑Day commemoration speech in Normandy to liken migration to an "invasion," saying "boats and men arrive" on European beaches. His remarks have provoked condemnation from historians, UK ministers and local residents in Langrune‑sur‑Mer, who had urged the cancellation of his visit. European officials and rights groups have criticised the politicisation of the ceremony.
David Hockney has died at 88 after a seven-decade career spanning painting, collage, photography and digital drawing. Born in Yorkshire, he lived in London and Los Angeles, later returning to Europe. His work, marked by saturated color, light and a restless reinvention, has defined pop and modern British art.