Late Night Host John Oliver Tackles Cultural Racketeering

"Our main story tonight concerns antiquities..." John Oliver began the October 2 episode of Last Week Tonight. What followed was a in-depth look exploration of cultural racketeering, the history of colonial loot, museum justifications, and the art market.

Don't have 40 minutes? Tune into the 16:00 minute mark for a great comedy sketch on provenance with a cameo from our Executive Director Tess Davis. Check in at in again at the 26:00 minute mark, as John Oliver reminds us that antiquities trafficking is not a white-collar, victimless crime, citing a past Antiquities Coalition op-ed. And, don't miss the final five minutes which introduces The Payback Museum.

Want to learn more? Read the highlighted AC Op-Ed:

Buyer Beware: US Market for Ancient Asian Art Still the Wild, Wild East

Cultural treasures stolen from conflict zones continue to pop up for sale in the United States and elsewhere.

thediplomat.com

Saw the clip of Tess Davis? Watch the full video:

Loved the Payback Museum skit? Follow @paybackmuseum on Twitter, a parody account that will share more about plundered treasures and the issue of cultural racketeering worldwide.