Though it’s been nearly three years since Tina Turner passed away, she’s still making headlines. But the reason why this time around just might piss you off–as it had many people online. Let’s get into it!
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The “Simply the Best” singer was recently honored in Brownsvilled, Tenn. –the city near her hometown of Nutbush — as a part of the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days, per AP. But the way in which the late singer was honored has got folks all over social media up in arms and it’s clear to see why. As a part of the ceremony, a new statue of Turner was unveile, and let’s just say…it’s less than stellar.
The 10-foot statue created by a Black sculptor named Fred Ajanogha, shows the entertainer singing into a microphone while sporting in her signature “wild,” puffy hair, a short dress, and heels. And while that may seem fine on the surface, closer inspection of the statue showed a face and in particular, a smile that doesn’t resemble turner in the slightest. (Author’s note: This smile makes this statue look almost as atrocious as the Dwyane Wade statue he received in October 2024 and I am SUPREMELY creeped out and bothered by both.)
Once photos and videos of the heinous statue began making the rounds on the internet, many fans were quick to call out how badly it looked and expressed their disappointment as a beloved Black icon being memorialized so badly.
“People constantly do tina turner bad, man. the ike mentions in music, that statue… she always gonna deserve more,”said one user on X/Twitter.
“I’m not sure that the person who created this newly unveiled statue of Tina Turner was ……”Simply the Best” person for the job!” wrote another.
“New Tina Turner statue unveiled over the weekend here in Tennessee. Words fail. Great art does that, leaves you speechless. So does an abomination like this. Might have to stop and see it next time I’m near Memphis. Pictures can’t possibly do it justice,” one user noted.
Added another: “And whoever made that Tina Turner statue can burn in hell… and the death penalty for the ones who approved it.”
Over on Instagram, similar sentiments were expressed.
“Tina is rolling in her grave…HELL NAH,” said one person.
“Jail…everybody involved,” another wrote.
“Whoever made that definitely was a friend of Ike,” another person wrote, referencing Turner’s abusive ex-husband.
Added another: “They dead wrong for that XL mop on top of her head.”
One other user noted, “Ain’t ain’t no TINAAA, that’s Wanda from Holiday,” likely referencing Alfre Woodard’s character from the 2000’s film “Holiday Heart.”
Peep the statue for yourself below and let us know: is it a spot on statue or simply the best the sculptor could do?
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