Chelsea Manning To Be Honoured At UK Arts Event

Chelsea Manning, the transgender US Army whistleblower, is to make her first public appearance in the UK at an arts event.

Ms Manning, 30, was jailed in the US for leaking government secrets. 

She is expected to discuss issues such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the Cambridge Analytical scandal.

Ms Manning will be honoured in October, at the Friends Of The Institute Of Contemporary Arts Dinner.

In a public Q&A before the event, Manning will address the state of the data economy and her role as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights among other topics.

CA director Stefan Kalmar said: "The ICA has, for 70 years, worked consistently to expand our idea of contemporary artistic practice... representing vital artistic engagements with some of the most pressing issues of our time.

"Honouring Chelsea Manning in today's media and political landscape will, I hope, show that the power of an individual can change the world through bravery, courage, determination and vision."

Ms Manning was sentenced in 2013, to 35 years after being found guilty of 20 charges, including espionage.

After her sentencing, Manning, previously known as Bradley Manning, released a statement announcing her transition and saying she should be referred to as Chelsea.

Barack Obama commuted her sentence during his final days in office as US president and she was released in 2017.