A protest by Sasha Swan, an OnlyFans model, disrupted the World Snooker Championship final on May 3, 2026, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding the BBC’s funding model.
The protest erupted during a tense match between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize. As Wu led with a score of 10-7 after two sessions, Swan shouted, “who f—ing pays their TV licence anyway” before jumping over a barrier. This unexpected outburst led to her ejection from the venue and a brief halt in play.
The disruption was not an isolated incident. Earlier in the tournament, another spectator had been removed for shouting about “the Epstein files” during a semi-final match. Such protests seem to be becoming a pattern at this year’s championship.
This particular event drew significant attention as it occurred while the final was being broadcast live on BBC One. John Parrott, a commentator present at the time, addressed the audience, saying, “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.” The brief interruption left many spectators surprised and concerned about what might happen next.
Key incidents during the World Snooker Championship:
- Sasha Swan’s protest during the final match on May 3.
- The previous spectator ejection during the semi-final match.
- A history of protests at snooker finals, including one involving Just Stop Oil activists in 2024.
The debate over the BBC licence fee has intensified in recent years. Many people question its relevance and fairness in today’s digital age. As protests continue to emerge around events like this one, it raises further questions about public sentiment regarding funding for public broadcasting.
As for future developments, officials have not clarified whether more stringent security measures will be implemented for upcoming matches or if further protests are anticipated. For now, snooker fans are left to ponder how these events might affect their beloved sport.
