Two climate activists received suspended sentences from a UK court after vandalizing aircraft to protest pop star Taylor Swift’s use of private jets. On June 2024, Jennifer Kowalski, 29, and Cole Macdonald, 23, targeted planes at Stansted Airport in an effort to draw attention to environmental issues linked to celebrity air travel.
The court in east England found that the activists caused criminal damage to two planes, which belonged to a private insurance firm and an investment group. Both activists were sentenced to short jail terms, which were suspended, meaning they will not serve time unless they re-offend.
Judge Alexander Mills criticized the duo’s actions, stating, “The actions of the two of you were all about publicity – both for Just Stop Oil and for yourselves.” He noted that targeting Swift, who has faced backlash for her private jet use, was an attempt to gain significant media attention.
The activists broke into a restricted area of the airport, reportedly by cutting through a fence. They used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to deface the aircraft. They claimed that Swift’s jet had landed at the airport just hours before their act of vandalism, but local police confirmed that her plane was not present at the time.
The group Just Stop Oil is known for its provocative protests. In March 2024, it announced a shift in strategy, stating that it had achieved its initial goals of halting new oil and gas projects in the UK. Despite this, the organization continues to face scrutiny for its methods.
In a statement following the trial, Just Stop Oil expressed its belief that the legal system favors the wealthy at the expense of those advocating for environmental protection. The group stated, “This trial demonstrates, again, the establishment will protect the wealthy and privileged while punishing those seeking to protect us and defend our freedoms and natural justice.”
Taylor Swift has been a focal point of criticism from environmentalists, particularly due to her frequent private jet travels. In 2022, she topped a list compiled by British sustainability marketing firm Yard, which highlighted celebrities with the highest private jet CO2 emissions.
This case underscores ongoing tensions between climate activism and celebrity lifestyles, illustrating the extreme measures some activists are willing to take in order to highlight issues of environmental concern. As public awareness of climate change grows, the intersection of celebrity culture and environmental responsibility remains a controversial topic.
