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 not only halted the match but also underscored rising tensions surrounding the BBC’s controversial licence fee.
The protest unfolded during a crucial moment of the match between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize, with Wu leading 10-7 after two sessions. As spectators watched intently, Swan shouted, “who f—ing pays their TV licence anyway” before jumping over a barrier, prompting immediate security action.
This event is part of a troubling trend. Earlier in the tournament, another spectator was ejected for shouting about the Epstein files during a semi-final match. Such disruptions raise questions about audience behavior and engagement in high-stakes events like this.
Key facts:
- The protest caused a brief halt to the final match being broadcast live on BBC One.
- Sasha Swan’s actions reflect growing discontent over media funding models and public sentiment towards the BBC.
- John Parrott, who was commentating during the incident, reassured viewers that “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.”
Protests at snooker events aren’t new. The World Snooker finals have previously seen activists disrupt play — notably in 2024 when Just Stop Oil activists targeted a match. These incidents highlight a broader societal discourse on activism and its place in sports.
As for what lies ahead, officials have not confirmed if further measures will be taken to prevent similar disruptions in future tournaments. The ongoing dialogue around media funding and public service broadcasting remains unresolved.