Bizarre statue of Virgin Mary with large breasts causes outrage in Gold Coast community

Notorious Gold Coast socialite Travers “The Candyman” Beynon has copped a large fine from council for his latest antics, which involves a controversial statue of the Virgin Mary with large, exposed breasts. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

NOTORIOUS Gold Coast socialite “The Candyman” has copped a fine from council for erecting a large statue resembling the Virgin Mary with large, exposed breasts without the proper permit.

The giant statue, which can be seen from the canals and the roadside in Hope Island has angered local residents who want to see it taken down immediately.

A statue erected by Travers Beynon, the Candyman, for a party on the Gold Coast at his Hope Island mansion. Picture: supplied

The statue is believed to have been put up just in time for his annual Secret Society-themed party which is on today and will be live-streamed.

The tobacco tycoon regularly hosts large parties with hundreds of scantily-clad women.

On Thursday, Gold Coast City Council issued Travers Beynon with the $13,000 fine.

Candyman Travers Beynon at his Hope Island mansion. Picture Glenn Hampson

A city spokesman said: “Following complaints from residents, the owner of the address has been fined $13,000 by City officers for constructing a 3m tall statue of a woman at his house.

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The statue can be seen from the water. Picture: supplied

A side angle of the statue sent in by a nearby resident. Picture: supplied

“Officers determined the owner did not have the necessary permits to build what is an assessable structure.

“The claim that it is a temporary structure brought in for a party this weekend is irrelevant.

“Regardless of changes the owner said he would make to the structure, it remains uncompliant and the fine will be enforced.”

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The Candyman’s parties have gained notoriety for having many scantily-clad women. Photo: Instagram

Resident John Wolski said he found the statue offensive and his child has questioned him over the statue as they passed it.

“If he had it just in his yard for the guests to see, okay,” he said.

“But it’s in the public. Kids can see it, how do you answer their questions? It’s not okay to trivialise women.”

Residents took to social media to voice their disapproval of the statue.

Melissa Moon said: “This is what we have to look at. U (sic) can see it on the river.”

Diane Woods said: “I feel so sorry for the idiot who calls himself the Candy Man. He is a sick puppy looking for recognition and approval and all he is doing is proving he is a misogynist.”

Yvonne Fessler said: “Doesn’t enhance the neighbourhood and I wouldn’t want to have that in my line of vision” while Pauline Gee said “This is so very tacky …”

Jaya Khhobsurat wrote: “ … I wouldn’t be sexualising a woman like this — especially a sacred symbol of the Madonna …”

Others were more accepting of the statue, saying the large breasts were just ‘boobs’.

Michael Mac wrote: “They are only boobs … Get over yourself ya (sic) prude.”