A new bronze statue has appeared in the bustling heart of Times Square, and it’s sparking a significant uproar. While some view it as an empowering representation of marginalized identities, others—particularly MAGA supporters—are voicing strong opposition. The controversy surrounding this 12-foot-tall statue, created by British artist Thomas J. Price, highlights the ongoing cultural divide in the United States. But what’s the source of the outrage, and why is this bronze artwork attracting such backlash?
Grounded in the Stars: The Bronze Statue Making Controversy
Unveiled in early May 2025, the bronze statue, titled Grounded in the Stars, stands proudly in Times Square. Depicting a fictional young woman with braided hair, she stands in a reflective, contemplative pose. This powerful art piece challenges traditional sculptures, which often honor historical figures and predominantly feature male subjects. Instead, the bronze statue embodies a modern, fictional character shaped by input from diverse communities in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
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The statue stands out against the backdrop of other more traditional monuments in Times Square, including those of George M. Cohan and Father Francis P. Duffy. Unlike these historical figures, Grounded in the Stars embraces inclusivity and pushes boundaries. The 12-foot sculpture highlights marginalized identities and sparks critical conversations around representation, diversity, and what public monuments should symbolize in today’s world. It will remain on display until June 17, 2025, offering visitors a chance to engage with the artwork amidst the frenetic energy of Times Square.
Why MAGA Supporters Are Angry About It
A 12-foot bronze statue of an overweight Black woman, titled “Grounded in the Stars,” has been installed in the center of Times Square.
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— AF Post (@AFpost) May 7, 2025
The unveiling of this bronze statue in Times Square quickly sparked anger among some MAGA-aligned voices. One of the key points of contention is the statue’s representation of a Black woman in a quiet, introspective stance, which critics claim challenges conventional monuments. Some MAGA supporters view the artwork as an act of identity politics, accusing it of creating a deliberate contrast to the nearby statues of white historical figures. The statue’s placement in such a high-profile location adds fuel to the fire, as critics argue that it was strategically positioned to provoke.
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Additionally, the statue’s body type has become a major focus of criticism. Some conservative commentators argue that the statue promotes an “unhealthy” body image or reinforces negative stereotypes, despite the artist’s intention of showcasing a more inclusive and diverse representation of the human experience. This debate underscores the ongoing tension between traditional values and the evolving cultural landscape.
The Controversy Surrounding the Art Piece
The controversy surrounding the statue has only grown in intensity. Some MAGA supporters have falsely linked the Grounded in the Stars statue to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has been involved in high-profile legal battles with President Donald Trump. Photoshopped images of the statue have circulated, attempting to distort its appearance and tie it to political figures.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the statue defend it as a bold statement on diversity and representation. They argue that the piece challenges narrow beauty standards and questions the longstanding tradition of public monuments, which have historically failed to represent marginalized groups. This has sparked a larger conversation about the role of art in public spaces and the need for a more inclusive approach to history and representation.
The bronze statue controversy reflects the broader societal tensions over issues of race, representation, and the role of art in public life. As the statue remains on display in Times Square, it will continue to provoke discussion, forcing viewers to confront difficult questions about the future of public monuments and how they reflect society’s evolving values.
