The New York Post reported today that an artist was so distraught over an article in the New Yorker that he has been staging a very public hunger strike, in an attempt to get a retraction. The strike is now in its 17th day.
According to the Post piece, Local painter John Perry was upset because he did not like the way that he was characterized in the New Yorker story, which detailed a dispute between Perry and 80s film star John Lurie.
The details are not all that interesting, but I just thought that the idea of media relations via hunger strike was kind of amusing. I also love the quote attributed to Perry:
"I just want some acknowledgement from them that the evidence . . . is not completely in accord with what was written in the piece," Perry told The Post. "The last thing they want is for me to drop dead out here, because then someone will look over that article with a fine-tooth comb," he said. "It will call into question their renowned fact checking."
"The last thing they want me to do is drop dead…" – classic, will have to remember this line, and the dedication to pulling out all stops to defend reputation and change coverage.
“Artist Can’t Stomach Coverage, Stages Hunger Strike”
The title is so funny. I wonder what happened next. did the painter die or end his hunger strike or did the paper retract?
I wonder what happend to John Perry after the strike. Any updates?
We need an update on this. This is so funny and amusing.
John Perry is the current rendition of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. I think he is misunderstood of his actions.
I kind of echo the above comment’s insight with regards to Perry’s actions.