Many Muslims were offended by the cartoons, and some organized violent attacks on Western institutions. Many died during these confrontations around the world. Rose was criticized for publishing inflammatory cartoons that were likely to draw such a reaction. Ever since, his public appearances often attract criticism and sometimes inspire violence themselves. Consequently, he travels under the protection of personal security guards. In 2016, Rose was disinvited from delivering the University of Cape Town’s annual TB Davie Academic Freedom Lecture due to administrators’ fears that protests would ensue.