Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Banksy

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Banksy.

Banksy is a pseudonymous and unconfirmed England-based street artist, political activist, and film director known for satirical street art and subversive epigrams. His identity remains a mystery. His stenciled graffiti, often containing dark humor, serves as political and social commentary, appearing on streets and walls globally. Emerging from the Bristol underground scene in the 1990s, his art reflects collaboration between artists and musicians. He credits 3D from Massive Attack as an inspiration.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1994: Pulp Fiction film Release

In April 2007, Transport for London painted over Banksy's image of a scene from Quentin Tarantino's film 'Pulp Fiction' released in 1994. The image featured Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta clutching bananas.

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2003: Turf War Exhibition

In 2003, Banksy held an exhibition called Turf War in a London warehouse, where he painted on animals. During this time, he gave an interview to the BBC's Nigel Wrench. The RSPCA deemed the conditions suitable, but an animal rights activist protested.

August 2004: Spoof Banknotes

In August 2004, Banksy produced spoof British £10 notes featuring Diana, Princess of Wales's head instead of the Queen's and changing 'Bank of England' to 'Banksy of England.' These were thrown into a crowd at Notting Hill Carnival, and some were used in local shops. They were also given with invitations to a Santa's Ghetto exhibition. They have since been selling on eBay.

September 2006: Barely Legal Exhibition

In September 2006, Banksy held an exhibition called 'Barely Legal' in Los Angeles. It featured a live elephant painted in pink and gold floral wallpaper, meant to draw attention to world poverty. The elephant appeared unpainted on the final day after complaints from animal rights activists.

April 2007: Pulp Fiction Image Painted Over

In April 2007, Transport for London painted over Banksy's image of a scene from Quentin Tarantino's film 'Pulp Fiction', featuring Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta clutching bananas. Banksy repainted the same site, initially with real guns but then adorned with banana costumes. Later, Banksy made a tribute artwork for graffiti artist Ozone.

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March 2008: Stencilled graffiti on Thames Water tower

In March 2008, a stencilled graffiti work, widely attributed to Banksy, appeared on a Thames Water tower in the middle of the Holland Park roundabout, depicting a child painting the tag "Take this—Society!" in bright orange. London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham spokesman, Councillor Greg Smith branded the art as vandalism, and ordered its immediate removal.

October 2008: Westminster Council to paint over "One Nation Under CCTV"

In October 2008, the Westminster City Council stated that the work One Nation Under CCTV, painted in April 2008, would be painted over as it was graffiti. The council said it would remove any graffiti, regardless of the reputation of its creator.

December 2008: The Little Diver destroyed

In December 2008, The Little Diver, a Banksy image of a diver in a duffle coat in Melbourne, Australia, was destroyed. The image had been protected by a sheet of clear perspex; however, silver paint was poured behind the protective sheet and later tagged with the words "Banksy woz ere".

April 2009: "One Nation Under CCTV" painted over

In April 2009, the Banksy work "One Nation Under CCTV" was painted over.

September 2009: Banksy work parodying Royal Family destroyed

In September 2009, a Banksy work parodying the Royal Family was partially destroyed by Hackney Council after they served an enforcement notice for graffiti removal to the former address of the property owner. The mural had been commissioned for the 2003 Blur single "Crazy Beat".

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May 2010: OMAR NYC Defaces Banksy's Work

In May 2010, OMAR NYC defaced some of Banksy's work.

May 2012: Parachuting Rat destroyed

In May 2012 Banksy's Parachuting Rat, painted in Melbourne in the late 1990s, was accidentally destroyed by plumbers installing new pipes.

February 2013: Slave Labour mural removed and put up for auction

On 18 February 2013, the Slave Labour mural, a Banksy work, was removed from Wood Green, north London, and soon appeared for sale in Fine Art Auctions Miami's catalogue.

2013: Criticism during New York series

In 2013, much criticism came forward during Banksy's series of works in New York. Many New York street artists criticized Banksy, and much of his work was defaced.

2013: Vandal Convicted for Damaging Banksy's Praying Boy

In 2013, the perpetrator of the vandalism of Banksy's Praying Boy in Park City, Utah, United States, was tried, pled guilty, and convicted of criminal mischief. The artwork was restored to its original state.

October 2014: Internet Hoax

In October 2014, an internet hoax circulated claiming that Banksy had been arrested and his identity revealed, which was later proven false.

June 2017: Banksy Offers Free Prints for Anti-Conservative Voters

During the United Kingdom general election in June 2017, Banksy offered voters a free print for voting against Conservative candidates, but the offer was withdrawn after an investigation for bribery.

October 2018: Shredded Painting at Sotheby's Auction

In October 2018, Banksy's 'Balloon Girl' was sold for £1m at Sotheby's in London. As the gavel hit, the canvas partially shredded itself via a shredder hidden within the frame, in what was described as a major prank in art history.

October 2019: Gross Domestic Product Pop-Up Shop

In early October 2019, Banksy opened a "pop-up shop" named Gross Domestic Product in Croydon, South London. On 4 October, Full Colour Black publicly revealed itself as the greeting card company involved in the trademark dispute.

September 2020: Trademark Dispute Ruling

On 14 September 2020, the European Union Intellectual Property Office ruled in favor of Full Colour Black in the trademark dispute over Banksy's "Flower Thrower".