In a bold protest action, activists from the group Led By Donkeys have "renamed" billionaire Larry Ellison's luxury super-yacht "The Trump Propagandist" during a stunt in the French Riviera. The activists approached the $160 million vessel by speedboat on Tuesday to carry out the redecoration, applying a sticker to the yacht's exterior as a symbolic gesture.
Protest Targets Ellison's Political Connections
Led By Donkeys stated that Ellison, the co-founder of software giant Oracle, would not approve of their actions. The protest is aimed at highlighting Ellison's close ties to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ellison is known for his significant political donations, including a $16.6 million contribution to the Israeli Defense Forces in 2017, which has drawn criticism from activist circles.
Details of the Riviera Stunt
The activists executed their plan by navigating a speedboat to Ellison's yacht, which was docked in the prestigious French Riviera region. This area is famous for hosting luxury vessels owned by the world's wealthiest individuals. The group's action was a calculated move to draw media attention to Ellison's political affiliations and financial support for controversial causes.
Led By Donkeys, a UK-based protest collective, has gained notoriety for similar high-profile stunts targeting political figures and billionaires. Their methods often involve creative and non-violent acts of civil disobedience designed to spark public debate. In this case, the "renaming" of the yacht serves as a critique of Ellison's role as a propagandist for Trump's policies and Netanyahu's government.
Brother Context and Reactions
Ellison's connections to Trump include public endorsements and financial backing, while his support for Netanyahu has been demonstrated through substantial donations to Israeli military efforts. The protest underscores growing activism against billionaires who use their wealth to influence global politics. While no immediate response from Ellison or Oracle has been reported, the stunt has circulated widely on social media, amplifying the group's message.
This incident reflects a broader trend of activist groups targeting luxury assets to protest economic inequality and political corruption. By focusing on a visible symbol of wealth like a super-yacht, Led By Donkeys aims to critique the intersection of money, power, and propaganda in contemporary society.
