Former U.S. President Barack Obama faces criticism over the high ticket prices for his upcoming live appearance at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on October 14. Tickets for the event are listed on Ticketmaster at prices reaching nearly £400 for certain seats, with a VIP package—including a photo opportunity with Obama—priced at £1,877.

The event comes as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. According to promotional materials, Obama’s talk will focus on hope, resilience, and the role of ordinary people in shaping the future. The former president has maintained significant appeal since leaving office in 2017, with his post-presidency work through the Obama Foundation supporting leadership programs worldwide.

However, poverty campaigners have expressed concern that the ticket pricing is exclusionary, particularly amid increasing economic hardship in Scotland. Sean Clerkin, an anti-poverty advocate, described the prices as "eye-watering" and criticized the decision given ongoing issues of homelessness and widespread poverty. He argued that the steep prices risk alienating many Scots and contribute to a broader trend of pricing out ordinary people from cultural events.

In addition to official ticket sales, resale platforms such as Viagogo have seen some of the least expensive tickets purchased for £55 being resold at over three times the price, around £173, further inflating costs for potential attendees.

The pricing controversy raises questions about accessibility for public figures’ appearances, especially when events promote themes centered on community empowerment and social change. The organizers have not publicly responded to the criticism.