Brian Cox, Louis Theroux and Gary Lineker are among a host of celebrities backing Misan Harriman after critics called for the Southbank Centre chairman to resign over his social media activity.
Mr Harriman, chairman of the Southbank Centre board of governors, has become embroiled in a growing row after a letter published in The Times accused him of promoting a “divisive” political agenda online.
The photographer and activist, who has chaired the board since 2021, has more than 540,000 followers on Instagram.
Critics claimed his online activity was “hugely damaging to the reputation of the Southbank Centre” and questioned whether his conduct was appropriate for someone leading an organisation which received £18million in government funding last year.
Mr Harriman, chairman of the Southbank Centre board of governors, has become embroiled in a growing row
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The letter calling for Mr Harriman’s resignation was signed by former Southbank Centre trustee David Kershaw, former BBC television director Danny Cohen, historian Andrew Roberts and television producers Leo Pearlman and Neil Blair.
“Harriman’s tenure since 2021 risks undermining an important British institution that received £18million from the Government last year,” the signatories wrote.
The group also claimed Mr Harriman’s social media activity may breach Charity Commission guidance relating to trustees.
“Rather than promoting the Southbank, Harriman makes daily interventions on social media, pushing a divisive political agenda,” the letter stated.
Critics called for the Southbank Centre chairman to resign over his social media activity
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It concluded: “Harriman’s appointment was a misstep by an institution that requires serious leadership. It is time for him to go.”
However, supporters of the chairman have since rallied behind him in significant numbers, with a rival letter attracting more than 21,000 signatures.
The counter-letter accused “right-wing newspapers” of attempting to orchestrate a smear campaign against Mr Harriman.
Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon also signed the petition alongside actors Aimee Lou Wood, Brian Cox, Hugh Bonneville and Eddie Marsan.
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Gary Lineker is backing Misan Harriman
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Broadcaster Gary Lineker also threw his support behind Mr Harriman, alongside presenter Laura Whitmore and documentary-maker Louis Theroux.
The music and arts world was similarly represented, with Annie Lennox, Hozier and artist Tracey Emin all adding their names to what supporters described as a “handraiser” in defence of the Southbank chairman.
Responding to the backlash, the Southbank Centre defended the right of board members to express their views publicly.
A spokesman for the organisation said: “The Southbank Centre is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone including our artists, audience and all colleagues.”
The letter calling for Mr Harriman’s resignation was signed by Brian Cox
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The institution added that it “condemns all forms of antisemitism, hatred and discrimination”.
Regarding Mr Harriman’s social media activity, the spokesman added: “All Southbank Centre board members, including the chair, have the right to exercise their freedom of expression within the law.”
Louis Theroux has also shown his support for Mr Harriman
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The Southbank Centre also stressed that the personal opinions of individual board members do not represent the organisation’s official position and have no influence over its programming.
GB News has reached out to Mr Harriman for comment.