Some days later, one patron attempted to remove the work from the gallery wall, and two teenagers later attacked it with a hammer.[42] Gallery officials reported receiving death threats in response to Piss Christ.[43] NGV Director Timothy Potts cancelled the show, allegedly out of concern for a Rembrandt exhibition that was also on display at the time.[42] Supporters argued that the controversy over Piss Christ is an issue of artistic freedom and freedom of speech.[43]