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Controversial "Bodies" Exhibit Agrees to Offer Refunds
By
Jen Chung
Published May 29, 2008
Modified May 29, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published May 29, 2008
Modified May 29, 2008
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Photograph by Benzadrine on Flickr
Did you venture to the South Street Seaport to see the Bodies Exhibit any time over the past three-plus years? If so, you're entitled to a refund because Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and exhibitor Premier agreed to a settlement after a disturbing 20/20 report suggested the bodies used were from executed Chinese prisoners who may have been tortured.
Premier licenses the bodies from Dalian Hoffen Bio Technique Company Limited, which "acquired the bodies indirectly from the Chinese Bureau of Police, which deemed them unclaimed at death." According to the AG's office, "The bodies were put through a process called 'plastination,' in which a cadaver is stripped of its skin, dissected to show a part of the internal anatomy and infused with plastic that is then hardened." Flashback: When the exhibit first opened in NYC in 2005, a representative told the NY Times it cost $25 million to get the bodies, "I am certain that all these specimens were legally obtained."
Now, Cuomo say, "Despite repeated denials, we now know that Premier itself cannot demonstrate the circumstances that led to the death of the individuals...This settlement is a start.” Premier said it was happy to reach a settlement and added, "We look forward to exhibiting our bodies show in New York for many years to come." Premier has put $50,000 in escrow; currently it's unclear how Bodies attendees can go about getting a refund.
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andrew cuomo
attorney general cuomo
bodies exhibit
refund
tortured bodies
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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