Billboard questioning Santa Claus is scrapped

LONDON — Perhaps the elves put a curse on it.

An art exhibition that questioned the existence of Santa Claus has been scrapped at the last minute, its British creator said yesterday.

In an attempt to highlight the evils of consumerism, Glasgow School of Art student Darren Cullen had been planning to unveil an advertising billboard in the city yesterday featuring the slogans "Stop Lying To Your Children About Santa Claus" and "Santa Gives More To Rich Kids Than Poor Kids."

But Maiden Outdoor, which owns the billboard, vetoed it after the plan generated media interest.

"The company was contacted by a newspaper, and I think they felt it was too contentious a theme," Cullen said. "I am disappointed, but I am going to be contacting other companies to see if they can help. I hope to get the project up and running sometime soon."

Cullen denied he was trying to ruin the magic of Christmas.

"Santa Claus is a lie that teaches kids that products will make them happy," he said. "Before they're old enough to think for themselves, the story of Santa has already got them hooked on consumerism. I think that's more immoral than this billboard."

The billboard is part of a public art project that students are required to do each year.