Amal Clooney Parts Ways with Greece After Lawsuit to Win Back Historic Sculptures from British Museum Won't Proceed

Amal Clooney was hired to help the state prepare for a possible court case to win back the ancient Elgin Marbles

Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Amal Clooney is no longer working with the Greek government after it rejected her plan to win back the ancient Elgin Marbles – also known as the Parthenon Sculptures – which were controversially removed from Athens centuries ago.

Clooney, 37, and her team of international lawyers were hired to help the state prepare for a possible court case against the British Museum – where the statues are currently being held. However, after the government decided not to pursue a case, Clooney’s resources were no longer needed, reports The Times in the U.K.

Clooney and her team of international lawyers recently delivered a 150-page report to the Greek government advising them on their legal options for the case, which included a recommendation to take Britain to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The Greek culture minister, Aristides Baltas, confirmed that they would not be taking Britain to court and said their decision came after thoroughly reviewing Clooney’s report.

RELATED: George Clooney Reveals Why He’s in Love with Amal

“No one has the right to risk the change of losing that case, ” Baltas told The Times. “It would strip Greece of the right to reclaim the marbles once and for all.”

He continued: “It’s best to pursue the political and diplomatic rout, more so now when public opinion is increasing in our favor. The legal services of Mrs. Clooney and her legal team are no longer required. Not for now, at least.”

The marble statues have been in the possession of the British Museum since the early 19th century when they were controversially removed from the Acropolis in Athens by Lord Elgin. It’s believed they were constructed by Greek sculptor Phidias and his assistants around 440 B.C.