A woman in Washington is facing backlash after filming herself removing a piece of public art in Seattle and taking it home. The artwork, created by a local artist identified as Henry, had been installed for public display. The incident is drawing attention because it raises questions about respect for public art and the impact of recording and sharing such actions online.
The video was later reposted on Reddit, where it gained around 1,200 upvotes and roughly 200 comments. The original uploads appear to have been removed, as they could not be found on the woman’s TikTok or YouTube accounts. Some users noted that her most recent posts were also missing, suggesting the videos may have been deleted after the backlash.
In the clip, which runs just over a minute, the woman appears to carry out the plan without hesitation. The video showed her purchasing a ladder from a hardware store with the intention of returning it afterward. The artwork had been mounted high on a pole, secured with screws. Another person films as she climbs up and uses a power drill to remove the screws. She then shows the piece to the camera after taking it down.
There is no indication in the video that the artwork was abandoned or free to take. Public art installations are typically meant to remain accessible to everyone unless officially removed or relocated. The identity of the artist, referred to as Henry, has been mentioned in posts discussing the video, though further details about the piece or its authorization have not been confirmed. It is also unclear whether any action has been taken to recover the artwork.
Washington Video Sparks Online Backlash
Reactions online were strongly negative. Many users criticized the woman’s act as selfish. “It’s not even about the art itself. It’s the entitlement of thinking you can take something meant for everyone. I’m not mad, just disappointed,” one commenter wrote.
Others focused on the woman’s decision to film and post the act. “I’m more mad that she made, edited, and posted this video than the theft itself. She didn’t want the art. She wanted internet clout so people would think she’s quirky and cool. That plan backfired,” another user said.
The incident is gaining attention because it combines public property, social media, and personal behavior in a way that many viewers find frustrating. The idea of someone openly removing public art and sharing it online has led to wider discussion about entitlement and accountability.
