Despite being a city known worldwide for its tolerance and for being home to a huge gay community, San Francisco seems to have taken a step back with the arrest of “Naked Cowboy”, a performance by street artist Robert Burck who has already toured several North American cities.
This weekend, Burck was arrested after walking (almost) naked and with his guitar in tow through a restricted area of downtown San Francisco. According to the performer told the “NY Post”, the police took a while to recognize him.
“They were laughing hysterically because they saw a guy in his underwear,” he said. “It was only after that that they recognized me and said, 'ah, it's Cowboy Naked'”. The arresting officer argued that Burck violated rules prohibiting playing any instrument there.
The performer was fined and is expected to appear in a city court this week.
To learn more about the work of “Naked Cowboy” visit www.nakedcowboy.com.
