Greek American singer Kelly Clarkson has been barred from taking a ring – that once belonged to classical author Jane Austen – out of the UK, prompting the call of hypocrisy from Greeks of the diaspora.
The ring – purchased for more than £150,000 – has sparked outrage due to the UK government’s stance on this historical artefact, but their unwillingness to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece.
The 31-year-old singer was told she cannot take the item out of Britain and back to her native Texas because it is a ‘national treasure’. Miss Clarkson, the first winner of talent show American Idol and self-proclaimed history nerd, saw off seven bidders in an auction at Sotheby’s last year for the gold and turquoise ring.