Tina Turner was “simply the best,” but fans are less than impressed with a new statue paying tribute to the late rock singer.
A 10-foot bronze statue of Turner, who died in May 2023 at the age of 83, was unveiled in the singer’s hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee, on Saturday, Sept. 27 during the city’s annual Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration. The monument, designed by Atlanta-based sculptor Fred Ajanogha, depicts Turner mid-performance as she strikes a confident pose in a mini-dress and high heels.
Ajanogha said he aimed to reflect Turner’s ability to move dynamically on stage, the way she grasped the microphone with her index finger pointing out, and her hairdo, which the artist likened to a “lion’s mane.”
The statue was installed in Brownsville’s Heritage Park near Turner’s alma mater, Carver High School, and was created as part of Ford’s Good Neighbor Plan for West Tennessee. The automotive brand contributed $150,000 toward the statue’s manufacture in partnership with the city of Brownsville.
A 10-foot bronze statue of Turner was unveiled in the singer’s hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee, on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“We are proud to support this statue in the community where Tina Turner’s journey began,” Ford Community Relations Director Gabby Bruno said in a June statement. “In helping to preserve her legacy, we celebrate all in this region who reach for their dreams.”
However, the tribute did not receive a warm reception from Turner’s fans, many of whom took to social media to criticize the statue’s design and its questionable resemblance to the real-life Turner.
Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, led a life of musical greatness and personal trauma. The Grammy-winning songstress fled an abusive relationship with her musical mentor and first husband, Ike Turner, to achieve unlikely pop stardom in the ’80s with “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer reportedly sold 100 million records worldwide in a groundbreaking career that included five platinum albums and six top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Fans of Turner weighed in on the Brownsville statue on social media, with many criticizing the authenticity of the monument’s depiction of the singer.
“Who made that Tina Turner statue?” X user @juhlissuhh wrote alongside a photo of a person squinting.
“That Tina Turner statue is a tragedy. She deserves better,” @newunderwurd wrote. “Tennessee will pay for their crimes. 😭”
“I’m sorry, but the Tina Turner statue is hilarious. I can’t look at it without laughing,” @ChiBoyJimmy wrote. “And that’s my girl, but why they do that to her hair? 😭😂”
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“A travesty. Did the artist even look at a photograph of the real Tina Turner?” @Yankeefan2975 wrote.
“They don’t even care how they make our icons look any more,” @LECKS_ wrote.
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY; Jordan Green, Memphis Commerical Appeal
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tina Turner statue sparks fan backlash after unveiling
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