Inside the Disturbing Klaustur Scandal that Shocked Iceland

Back in December of 2018, Bára Halldórsdóttir outed herself as the whistleblower of the Klaustur Bar Scandal. During this podcast episode, I sit down with Bára to talk about how the scandal unfolded and how it has affected her life. This scandal involved politicians saying horrible things while drinking together in Klaustur bar. Bára happened to be in that same bar and recorded a lot of what these Icelandic politicians were saying. Bára is a whistleblower, artist, and disability activist. Along with the Klaustur scandal, we talk about a range of fascinating topics.

During the interview, Bára shares why it was important for her to record this conversation and share it with the country. Because she has a chronic illness, the stress brought on by the scandal has deeply impacted her health. The whole conversation was fascinating and eye-opening for me. I think scandals like this one provide insight into the country that is not often seen or heard unless you live here and engage with people about the topic. Also, I’m glad that Bára was interested in sharing her experience as a whistle blower and disabled person in Iceland because those identities are seemingly at odds.

Questions I asked Bára about the Klaustur Scandal & Her Life

Take us back to that day in November 2018. What was going through your mind when you heard these MPs in Klaustur bar making such awful comments?

1. Were you afraid that they would notice you recording?

1. What was the reaction around the country when the recording was shared?

1. Had you considered not revealing that it was you that recorded it and staying anonymous?

1. When it was revealed that it was you that had recorded them, you were thrust into the public eye. It must have been quite hard adjusting to that seeing pictures of yourself all over the news, people weighing in their own opinions about recording the MPs and whatnot. How did you deal with all of that?

1. At one point, four of the MPs were threatening to sue you for violating their right to privacy. That must have been really stressful and tough considering that you have a chronic disease.

1. Can you share a bit about the chronic disease you have and the effects this incident has had on your life?

1. You’re an activist and artist. How are you blending your activism and art together to bring awareness about people who don’t have the same physical abilities as many others?

1. What has the reception in Iceland been like to you bringing awareness to lack of understanding that people with different physical abilities are not always being considered at different facilities? Or that they are ignored all together?
2. What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?

Connect with Bára on Social Media

• Facebook
• Instagram

Attend the Book launch for “The Viking Immigrants: Icelandic North Americans”

In Friday, December 4th, I’m hosting a free virtual book launch for “The Viking Immigrants: Icelandic North Americans” by LK Bertram. The book examines the multi-sensory side of Icelanders that migrated to North America between 1870 and 1914. I’ve been reading the book and even though it is historical text, LK writes it in a way that is entertaining. The book examines the past through rare photographs, interviews, artefacts, and early recipes. By revealing the hidden histories behind everyday traditions, The Viking Immigrants maps the transformation of Icelandic North American culture over a century and a half.

Win A Copy of the Book and Vínarterta

The guest of honor at the book launch is the First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid. You will be able to hear her speak with LK Bertram and will be able to submit questions for them. The other added bonus is that attendees to the book launch on December 4th at 12:00 PM EST will be entered to win a copy of the book and a vínarterta. There will be several copies given away, so there is a good chance of winning one. Here is the link to register.

You Can Still Buy an All Things Iceland Box For the Holidays

Looking for a great gift for yourself or a loved one this holiday season? The All Things Iceland box has a a variety of goodies that will give you a delicious taste of Iceland. Buy one here. Use the code “allthingsiceland” for free shipping. The code is valid until December 15th, 2020.

Let’s be social! Here is where you can connect with me:

• Instagram
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• YouTube
• Twitter

Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta (og að lesa) og sjáumst fljótlega

Thank you kindly for listening (and reading) and see you soon!