Activist linked with Just Stop Oil group allegedly planned jet paint incident in hope of inspiring Taylor Swift to discuss climate problems publicly
In a unique and bold move, 29-year-old Jennifer Kowalski, a self-proclaimed former Swiftie and Just Stop Oil activist, stands trial at Chelmsford Crown Court for damaging two aircraft with orange paint at Stansted Airport in Essex.
The incident occurred on June 20, 2022, around 5.02am, when Kowalski and her accomplice, Cole Macdonald, cut a hole in the perimeter fence using a circular saw and made their way towards two private aircraft. The targeted jets, contrary to initial reports, belonged to an insurance company and an investment group, not Taylor Swift as many believed.
Kowalski and Macdonald, of Brighton, East Sussex, are accused of spraying the aircraft with orange paint. The substance penetrated screw holes and window rubbers, causing an uneven surface texture to the aircraft if not removed correctly, according to Zoe Varzi. Removing the paint took 45 hours of work.
The trial continues, with Kowalski and Macdonald denying the charges of criminal damage. Macdonald stated that their action was targeted at Taylor Swift's private jet due to its publicly criticized usage. Kowalski, on the other hand, expressed a desire to "shake" Taylor Swift from a place of apathy regarding climate change.
Kowalski has stated that she thought a lot about Taylor Swift's potential reaction to her action. She also mentioned that she had a special interest in Taylor Swift when she was younger but grew concerned about the singer's private jet usage and her role in climate change.
Kowalski mentioned that she asked others in Just Stop Oil about the paint and was told it was children's paint, water-based, and wouldn't stain. However, Kowalski believed that the orange paint used would easily wash off with water. Macdonald, on the other hand, was concerned about causing disruption to regular people traveling for work or holidays.
Police were called at 5.09am and arrived at the scene at 5.18am, before the first scheduled flight of the day at 5.45am. The part of the airport they accessed was located far from the runway.
Kowalski has a previous conviction in 2022 for throwing paint on a government building in Edinburgh during a climate protest. Macdonald, on the other hand, has no previous convictions.
Kowalski is being represented by barrister Laura O'Brien in the trial. There is no verified information in the provided sources about a person in 2023 who allegedly attacked by spraying orange dye on two airplanes and is currently on trial.
As the trial continues, the court will determine whether Kowalski and Macdonald's actions were justified in light of their concerns about climate change or if they crossed a line in their attempt to make a statement.
Read also:
- Amidst India's escalating climate crisis, transgender individuals continue to persevere
- Contentious Discussion Surrounding the Movie Release of "Planet of the Humans"
- Germany's three-month tenure under Merz's administration feels significantly extended
- Norway set to allocate proceeds from sales of tickets for a soccer match against Israel to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
