Artist defends 'unfinished' Ronnie O'Sullivan mural
An artist in Sheffield has defended a controversial mural of snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, describing the artwork as 'unfinished.' Chris Ashmore created the piece for the Spot On Snooker Club, but some residents criticized it as 'zombie-like' and 'shocking,' with comments suggesting O'Sullivan's face appeared skeletal. Ashmore admitted he had only worked on the mural for two weeks out of the planned five and noted that touch-ups were still required. He explained that working from a scaffolding platform limited his ability to achieve the desired perspective, as he typically uses a scissor lift for better visibility. The mural went viral online, prompting mixed reactions, and Ashmore expressed surprise at the attention while indicating he was prepared for the criticism.
Ronnie O’Sullivan and his wife, Laila Rouass, have made a bold public statement through the launch of a joint Instagram account, titled TheOSullivans, which features an unfiltered and provocative introduction. The account, which has amassed nearly 6,000 followers within days, showcases the couple’s candid approach to sharing personal moments, including glimpses of their lives during O’Sullivan’s extended stay in China for snooker tournaments. The duo posted a photo of themselves with the caption: “Hi. Welcome. This is us. Unfiltered, uncouth, unhinged and unplanned. No inspirational quotes from us. No feigned positivity. No more f***s to give. Follow along if it sounds like your kind of thing.” O’Sullivan further encouraged followers to engage with the account via Instagram Stories, teasing that the content would be “unplanned and unedited,” and revealing that much of the material would focus on everyday activities such as eating. The couple’s decision to create the account comes amid ongoing discussions around O’Sullivan’s career and personal life. The snooker legend, who is currently competing in China, recently withdrew from the British Open after losing to Chinese player Chang Bingyu in the Wuhan Open. He has opted to take a break with family and friends in Ireland, though he is set to return to competition at the Shenzhen Open, where he will face Jiang Jun in the last 64 on September 28. Meanwhile, Rouass has used the account to respond to controversy surrounding a recent mural of O’Sullivan in Sheffield. She commented on the backlash, stating: “That time Ronnie auditioned for Thriller. On a serious note… it’s overwhelming but judgment will be reserved until it’s seen.” O’Sullivan and Rouass have maintained a complex relationship since their initial meeting over a decade ago. They began dating in 2012 and became engaged in 2013, though their union faced challenges, leading to a separation in September 2024. The couple reunited in early 2025 and eventually married in a private ceremony at St George’s Town Hall in Shadwell, East London, where Rouass grew up. The marriage marks a significant step in their relationship, reflecting both their shared history and their willingness to embrace transparency in their public persona. The newly launched Instagram account also offers insight into their travels and experiences. One of the first posts featured a video of O’Sullivan singing along to Phil Collins’ “I Don’t Care Anymore,” highlighting a lighter side of the notoriously serious snooker player. Another post showcased their stay in China, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at O’Sullivan’s life away from the table. The account’s informal tone and direct engagement with followers suggest a deliberate effort to connect with fans in a more personal and unscripted manner. Separately, a local artist in Sheffield has defended a controversial mural of O’Sullivan that sparked widespread debate. Chris Ashmore, the creator of the artwork, acknowledged that the piece had not yet been fully completed, noting that he had only finished two weeks of a five-week project. He explained that working from a scaffolding platform limited his ability to achieve the desired perspective, as he typically uses a scissor lift for better visibility. Despite the negative feedback, including comparisons to Michael Jackson and a zombie, Ashmore expressed resilience, stating he was prepared to handle the criticism. As O’Sullivan prepares to resume competition in China, the couple’s new social media presence signals a shift toward greater openness and interaction with their audience. Whether this represents a lasting change in their public image or a temporary experiment remains to be seen. For now, the couple continues to share their journey, inviting followers to witness their lives unfold in real time.
Go to the primary sources (1)
The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.
Actress Emily Atack married her long-term partner, Dr. Alistair Garner, in an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends. The event took place before her planned Spanish wedding later in the year. Atack shared photos of the ceremony on Instagram, expressing excitement about their future together and their upcoming marriage abroad. Fans and friends congratulated the couple on social media. Atack discussed her love for Alistair and her satisfaction with the planning process for their Spanish wedding. Her mother inadvertently revealed plans for the Spanish wedding through comments about fashion and travel.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a personal wedding announcement and does not involve political issues, public policy, or contentious societal debates. It focuses on celebrity personal life and entertainment news, which is considered apolitical. Therefore, the framing is neutral and does not exhibit a clear lean.
Why factuality (90): The article provides accurate details about Emily Atack's wedding, including the date, location, and participants. It correctly states that she married her fiancé Alistair Garner and mentions the planned Spanish wedding. There is no conflicting information from other sources, making this report high
Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a neutral and celebratory tone, focusing on the positive aspects of the wedding without introducing personal bias or opinion. The language is appropriate for a wedding announcement and remains balanced throughout.
Professional snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan and his wife Laila Rouass, a former EastEnders actress, have launched a joint Instagram account titled 'TheOSullivans'. The account features unfiltered content showcasing their personal lives, including their travels in China and humorous moments. The couple's posts include candid photos, references to their personal experiences, and responses to public reactions. O'Sullivan has also announced his withdrawal from upcoming tournaments to spend time with family and friends.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a celebrity couple's personal and professional activities, which does not involve politically charged topics. The framing remains neutral, presenting factual information about their social media activity and career decisions without overt ideological slant.
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that Ronnie O'Sullivan and Laila Rouass created a joint Instagram account with an X-rated message. It provides correct dates for their marriage and reconciliation, though it does not mention any official confirmation of the account's launch or content beyond the initia
Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat informal and uses casual language, including the X-rated message. While not overtly biased, the article presents the situation in a way that emphasizes the couple's unfiltered approach, which may lean towards a more sensationalized angle rather than strictly objective reporting.
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 80Objective 858/28/2026
An artist in Sheffield has defended a controversial mural of snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, describing the artwork as 'unfinished.' Chris Ashmore created the piece for the Spot On Snooker Club, but some residents criticized it as 'zombie-like' and 'shocking,' with comments suggesting O'Sullivan's face appeared skeletal. Ashmore admitted he had only worked on the mural for two weeks out of the planned five and noted that touch-ups were still required. He explained that working from a scaffolding platform limited his ability to achieve the desired perspective, as he typically uses a scissor lift for better visibility. The mural went viral online, prompting mixed reactions, and Ashmore expressed surprise at the attention while indicating he was prepared for the criticism.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a local art project related to a sports figure and does not involve political issues, government policies, or public debate. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the artistic process and public reaction without taking a clear ideological stance.
Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes the controversy surrounding the Ronnie O'Sullivan mural and includes direct quotes from the artist defending his work. It provides context about the commission and the artist's explanation for the visual outcome. The facts align with the general narrative reported in
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the artist's defense objectively, quoting him directly. However, it slightly leans toward highlighting the public reaction and the artist's feelings about the criticism, which introduces a minor element of subjective interpretation.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
United Kingdom
