An Israeli businessman who had been invited to speak in a discussion organized by the Greek National Theater on Saturday was removed from the program amid security concerns, the state-run company announced.
Leon Avigad is the founder and CEO of the Brown Hotels chain, which operates at least five units in the downtown Athens area around the theater’s headquarters just off Omonia Square. He was due to speak in a discussion titled “Who Owns Omonia? The Future of the Square,” which is part of a three-day series of events organized by the theater.
The National Theater said the decision followed backlash on social media over Brown Hotels’ sponsorship of the events and Avigad’s participation. Critics also objected to the absence of local residents from the panel.
Two performances linked to the events, including one planned at a Brown Hotels property, were also canceled.
