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In a striking turn of events, the very progressive elites who once vocally condemned the Saudi government for its alleged involvement in the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi have found themselves in a morally complex situation. These same individuals seem to have set aside their outrage when a $200 million offer from the Saudis appeared as a potential lifeline for their cherished Metropolitan Opera House.
However, this financial rescue plan has now fallen through, leaving many frustrated and eager to pin the blame on former President Donald Trump.
As reported by the left-leaning New York Times, the iconic 142-year-old Met opera house had approached Saudi interests last year, seeking financial assistance. In exchange for an endowment of $200 million to be paid over eight years, the Met had agreed to host a three-week winter residency at the Royal Diriyah Opera House near Riyadh.
Despite the controversial nature of dealing with a nation criticized for its human rights record, the Met’s general manager, Peter Gelb, defended their decision by emphasizing the priority of the institution’s survival. He candidly stated, “I have to put the survival of the institution of the Met first.”
This situation raises ethical questions about the balance between maintaining cultural institutions and adhering to moral principles. The dilemma of accepting what some might call “blood money” for the sake of preserving the arts is sure to continue sparking debate among observers and stakeholders alike.
Mr. Gelb said his support for cultural exchange with Saudi Arabia was different… “All the democratic governments that I know of are engaged in business with Saudi Arabia,” Mr. Gelb said.
He added this beauty: “I have to put the survival of the institution of the Met first.”
Yeah, let’s not fall on the sword of our principles here. What’s a little blood money if it means your snooty opera house survives?
Democrats sure got it good.
Today we learned that the Saudis have backed out of the deal, citing the economic disruption caused by the Orange Bad Man’s war with Iran and the ensuing issues surrounding the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. Yep, it’s Trump’s fault.
Hey, maybe Trump will bail out the Met. All you need to do is rename the place the Trumpopolitan Opera House.
The Met is in serious financial trouble. Since the ridiculous pandemic shutdowns, what had been $150 million in annual revenue from ticket sales and transmission to live events at movie theaters around the country has collapsed to just $100 million. Even so, that $150 million was only half the Met’s annual operating budget. The remaining $150 million was made up with contributions.
How in the world can it cost $300 million per year to put on operas? Where’s all that money going to?
To make up the shortfall, other than selling its soul to the Saudis, the Met had to dip into its endowment. What had been a $340 million endowment in 2022 is just $216 million in 2026.
Already, the Met is down to just 17 operas per year compared to 25 a few years ago.
The Met is seen as a vital American institution… And yet, the cheapest ticket for this Saturday’s production of La Boheme is $259 for the balcony, so…
It’s really only an institution for certain Americans.
