Delta Air Lines said it is withdrawing its sponsorship of New York's Public Theater over a production of Julius Caesar with allusions to President Donald Trump.
The production scheduled to start Monday "depicts the assassination of a Trump-like Roman ruler," according to the New York Times, and sponsors have faced criticism online and from some media outlets.
"No matter what your political stance may be, the graphic staging of Julius Caesar at this summer's Free Shakespeare in the Park does not reflect Delta Air Lines' values," Atlanta-based Delta said in a written statement. "Their artistic and creative direction crossed the line on the standards of good taste. We have notified them of our decision to end our sponsorship as the official airline of The Public Theater effective immediately."
Bank of America also released a statement saying it was withdrawing its funding for the production.
On Sunday, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted, "I wonder how much of this 'art' is funded by taxpayers? Serious question, when does 'art' become political speech & does that change things?"
Delta last year said it would not renew its sponsorship of Atlanta's Fox Theatre, because the venue hosted an event by Delta rival Qatar Airways featured a private concert by Jennifer Lopez.
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