Shakespeare in the Park was supposed to be a fun frolic through the Bard's best-loved works. It was not supposed to drum up national outrage and a series of harsh headlines that caused sponsors to pull out of the production. That was exactly what was happening to a production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. According to multiple sources, in the pivotal assassination scene the Caesar character bore a striking resemblance to President Trump. The play, produced by the nonprofit Public Theater, portrayed Caesar as a blond-haired man wearing a business suit and an American flag pin. Caesar's wife Calpurnia was played by a woman putting on a Slavic accent and wearing designer dresses.
Big-ticket advertisers Delta Air Lines and Bank of America were pulling out, dropping financial support after angry calls and strong reactions to the Trump-as-Caesar portrayal. Delta was clear about why it was removing financial support after four years: the airline cited artistic and creative direction that had crossed the line on the standards of good taste. Bank of America had been a financial partner for eleven years and was withdrawing support over the portrayals. Bank of America stated that the Public Theater had chosen to present Julius Caesar in a way that was intended to provoke and offend, and that had this intention been made known in advance, the bank would have decided not to sponsor the production.
Those who read the original billing for the play might have seen the cycle coming. The playbill described the play as having never felt more contemporary and described the Caesar character not as a Roman potentate but as a magnetic, populist figure bent on absolute power. New York Times coverage of the play's lead characters described a petulant, blondish Caesar in a blue suit, complete with gold bathtub and a Slavic wife, taking onstage Trump-trolling to a substantial new level.
The Broader Sponsor Withdrawal Considerations
Several specific sponsor withdrawal considerations affect broader corporate communications approaches.
The substantial brand exposure considerations. Effective sponsor decision-making substantially considers brand exposure considerations across multiple categories. The combined substantial brand exposure considerations substantially shape broader sponsor decision approaches.
The consumer audience considerations. Effective sponsor decision-making substantially considers consumer audience considerations across multiple categories. The combined consumer audience considerations substantially shape broader sponsor decision approaches.
The brand values alignment considerations. Effective sponsor decision-making substantially considers brand values alignment considerations across multiple categories. The combined brand values alignment considerations substantially shape broader sponsor decision approaches.
The institutional relationship considerations. Effective sponsor decision-making substantially considers institutional relationship considerations across multiple categories. The combined institutional relationship considerations substantially shape broader sponsor decision approaches.
The Communications Considerations
Several specific communications considerations affect the broader sponsor withdrawal situation.
The withdrawal statement coordination. The combined sponsor withdrawals require substantial withdrawal statement coordination across multiple categories. The combined withdrawal statement coordination substantially affects broader Delta and Bank of America strategic communications.
The customer communications coordination. The combined sponsor withdrawals require substantial customer communications coordination across multiple categories. The combined customer communications coordination substantially supports broader Delta and Bank of America customer relationship considerations.
The press communications coordination. The combined sponsor withdrawals require substantial press communications coordination across multiple categories. The combined press communications coordination substantially affects broader Delta and Bank of America public reception.
The Public Theater relationship management. Delta and Bank of America substantially navigate Public Theater relationship management across multiple categories. The combined Public Theater relationship management substantially supports broader Delta and Bank of America strategic positioning.
The Bottom Line
Art was often meant to provoke. Partnerships with big brands put those brands in the crosshairs when consumers decided to vote with their pocketbooks. While the playhouse might enjoy trolling and the playhouse's audience might also love it, that did not mean the millions of Americans Bank of America and Delta depended on would be as magnanimous in their support. The decision put the brands in the position of choosing whether to align with the customers who opposed the production or with those who supported it — a difficult but necessary operating choice.
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
