Gossip Queen: Michael Hutchence’s sister says a Melbourne statue will honour him and his fans
Stories of a family feud over plans for a statue to honour INXS star Michael Hutchence have been denied by his sister, Tina.
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Tina Hutchence has told how a statue of INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence in Melbourne would honour his fans as much as it would pay tribute to her dearly missed brother.
Tina has spoken out to deny a split in the Hutchence family over the statue that is being considered for a home in Richmond by the Yarra City council.
Her comments come after Michael’s brother — and her half-brother — Rhett said the late singer would have “rolled in both his graves” over the plans.
“When I was approached by the fans to join ‘A Statue for Michael Hutchence’ to help with the campaign I was only too happy to do so,” Tina said.
“Michael loved his fans. He understood that they were the ones who put him centre stage in that 72,000 capacity Wembley Stadium.
“If the fans wanted a statue for him, I was all in.
“I’m proud of what my brother accomplished in his short lifetime and so far nobody else (has) stepped up to honour him. Power to the fans.”
She said she would welcome Rhett’s support should he change his mind about the statue.
“I am not in a ‘feud’ with Rhett. There is no family discourse. We all have our own lives,” she said.
“Rhett could have just as easily stepped up over the past three years and helped with the statue campaign. He was invited but it didn’t seem to interest him.
“The door was always opened but unfortunately he chose to remain silent …. I welcome Rhett to help us if he so wishes.”
Rhett voiced his disdain for the statue project from his Bali base on Friday.
“I was a bit surprised to look at the Yarra Council web page, which has plastered all over it that the statue is supported by the Hutchence family because I have my own views on the matter,” Rhett said.
“Michael shied away from these sorts of public displays.
“Being put up on the pedestal, he didn’t like that, that’s why he mixed with all of us normal people.
“This is a statue for Tina.”
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