‘Charging Bull’ sculptor accuses NYC of violating his rights

THE sculptor of Wall Street’s famous “Charging Bull” has slammed the “Fearless Girl” statue as an “advertising trick” that violates his legal rights.

The Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues. Picture: Mark Lennihan/AP

THE sculptor of Wall Street’s “Charging Bull” statue is accusing New York City of violating his legal rights by allowing the “Fearless Girl” statue to be installed facing the bronze beast without his permission.

Lawyer Norman Siegel has told The Associated Press that Arturo Di Modica will explain Wednesday how he’s challenging city officials who are allowing the bronze girl to stay until February. Siegel says he already demanded the city release documents showing what procedures were followed.

Di Modica calls the statue an “advertising trick” created by two corporate giants. He says the presence of “Fearless Girl” infringes on his own copyrighted artistic expression while drawing global attention.

“That is not a symbol! That’s an advertising trick,” he told the financial news website MarketWatch last month. The Italian-born sculptor created the bull after the 1987 stock market crash as a symbol of America’s financial resilience.

Fearless Girl creator Kristen Visbal. Picture: Bebeto Matthews/AP

The 127cm bronze statue of a defiant girl with fists on hips, created by artist Kristen Visbal, was installed to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 under a lease due to end April 2.

State Street Global Advisors, a Boston-based investment giant, had the statue created to push companies to increase the number of women directors.

After at least two petitions, generous press attention and interest on social media, authorities announced last month that the attraction for tourists and locals would keep its place at least through to the end of February 2018.

“She has clearly struck a nerve,” said US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as she stood on the steps of City Hall with other women politicians to announce the statue’s extended stay.

Maloney, a New York Democrat, said the bronze girl was a testament to the power of art in society. “She has really, really become a meaningful part of the community of New York,” Maloney said. “Everyone sees their own dreams and aspirations in the strength of this little girl.”

Originally published as ‘Charging Bull’ sculptor accuses NYC of violating his rights