A performance artist known as "Psuperhamb," or "Ham," staged a three-day public nudity stunt in SoHo, New York City, from September 5 to 8, intending to protest the opening of an OpenAI office in the area. The artist stood on a platform at the corner of Houston and Crosby streets with messages such as "Use less to fight progress" written on his body. The demonstration was met with significant backlash from New Yorkers, with some expressing disgust and concern over the public display.
During the performance, Ham reported being assaulted by an individual who pushed him off his platform multiple times before punching him in the face and fleeing. Following the incident, Ham stated he was involuntarily taken to a psychiatric ward on September 8, where he remained for six hours before his release. The New York Police Department has not confirmed the assault or Ham's custody status, but noted that "Public nudity in connection with expressive activity is not necessarily unlawful; whether particular conduct constitutes a violation of law depends on the specific facts and circumstances."
The artist, who is based in Baltimore, has a history of public performance art. Last year, he staged a similar event where he stood in cold weather dressed only in his underwear and socks to raise money for an engagement ring, though he is no longer engaged. The recent protest in SoHo, intended to draw attention to technological advancements, instead generated immediate criticism from bystanders.
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