$26M Picasso Torn in Museum Attack

20-year-old London man is charged

By Arden Dier, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2019 10:35 AM CST

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$26M Picasso Torn in Museum Attack — This June 14, 2016, file photo, shows the exterior of part of the Tate Modern gallery in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

A 20-year-old is facing charges after he allegedly attacked a Picasso painting hanging on the wall of London's Tate Modern. Picasso's Bust of a Woman, valued at $26.5 million, is being assessed for damage after it was reportedly ripped on Saturday, per the BBC. A museum spokesperson gave no details on the condition of the 1944 painting of Picasso's lover Dora Maar—depicting the French photographer in green garb and a hat, per the New York Post—saying only that it was "with our conservation team for expert assessment" while the museum remains open. Shakeel Massey of North London indicated he'd deny a charge of criminal damage at a Monday court hearing where bail was denied, per the BBC. A pretrial hearing is set for Jan. 30. (Read more Pablo Picasso stories.)