Latest news with #DeLeeuw
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MAGA Blast French Over Lady Liberty Shame Mural
Donald Trump supporters are freaking out after a towering mural of Lady Liberty covering her face in shame was unveiled in France. The painting, located in the northern city of Roubaix, is titled 'The Statue of Liberty's Silent Protest.' Dutch artist Judith de Leeuw spent six days creating the mural showcasing a stinging twist on the iconic monument France gifted to the U.S. after the Civil War to commemorate the nations' alliance. De Leeuw told Storyful that the mural reflects the 'shame' she feels over Trump's hardline immigration policies, which have resulted in thousands of migrants being deported. 'Roubaix has a large migrant population, and many of them live in extremely difficult circumstances. The values that the statue once stood for—freedom, hope, the right to be yourself—have been lost for many,' de Leeuw said. She noted that unveiling the piece on July 4, as Americans celebrate Independence Day, was a 'meaningful coincidence.' However, a number of MAGA figures have shown disdain for the mural after images and videos of it were widely shared on social media. 'This disgusts me. If any country ought to be kissing our ass, it's France,' Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett posted on X. 'My Uncle Roy fought and died and is buried there for their freedom.' Libs of TikTok, the often hateful account run by Chaya Raichik, wrote: 'New mural in France depicts Lady Liberty covering her face in shame. The artist says it's because of our immigration policies. It's not shameful to deport criminal illegal aliens and secure our border! This artist has a sad case of TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome].' One pro-Trump account called the artwork 'disgusting.' 'There are American families that lost loved ones fighting for France. A lot of American warriors are buried there, trying to help save France. Which is why they gifted us Lady Liberty. The media is just as bad posting this kind of TRASH on July 4th,' it added. Another 'America First' account slammed the mural as 'blatant disrespect towards America.' De Leeuw, however, said locals in Roubaix have embraced the piece and its pro-immigration message. On Instagram, she wrote that the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. to 'honor the right to freedom for all.' 'But today, that freedom feels out of reach. Not for everyone. Not for migrants. Not for those pushed to the margins, silenced, or unseen,' she wrote. 'I painted her covering her eyes because the weight of the world has become too heavy to witness. What was once a shining symbol of liberty now carries the sorrow of lost meaning.'
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
"That's An Incredible Picture Of How Most Americans Feel Right Now" — People Are Praising France's New Lady Liberty "Protest" Mural That's Going Mega-Viral
Welp, yesterday was American Independence Day, and this year's July 4 celebrations came amid ICE detainments of American citizens and immigrant detention center "merch" being sold as the rest of the world watches. Related: Recently, France unveiled a mural called "The Statue of Liberty's Silent Protest," designed to illustrate the "shame" surrounding the recent immigration policies of the Trump administration. The now-viral painting, seen by over 16 million people, features Lady Liberty covering her face with her hands, with her torch lying on her chest. Dutch artist Judith de Leeuw reportedly took six days to complete the mural, which was painted on a building in Roubaix, France. This location was intentional due to Roubaix's "large migrant population" who live in "extremely difficult circumstances," De Leeuw said to Storyful. "The values that the statue once stood for — freedom, hope, the right to be yourself — have been lost for many," she continued. Related: It's important to note that France formally gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States on July 4, 1884, to celebrate US independence and American democracy, among other things. De Leeuw called the unveiling of her mural on July 4 a "meaningful coincidence." Here's how people online are reacting to France's newest mural: Related: "In case you are wondering what the world is thinking of us," one person wrote. "The French know. Hell the world knows. But tens of millions here, either clueless or shameless," another person wrote. "They should come take the real one back. We don't deserve her anymore." Related: Others on TikTok expressed similar sentiments in the comments: Opposingly, a Republican lawmaker took to X to express his "disgust" at the mural. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Americans React: France's Mural Of Lady Liberty Covering Her Face
Welp, yesterday was American Independence Day, and this year's July 4 celebrations came amid ICE detainments of American citizens and immigrant detention center "merch" being sold as the rest of the world watches. Recently, France unveiled a mural called "The Statue of Liberty's Silent Protest," designed to illustrate the "shame" surrounding the recent immigration policies of the Trump administration. The now-viral painting, seen by over 16 million people, features Lady Liberty covering her face with her hands, with her torch lying on her chest. Dutch artist Judith de Leeuw reportedly took six days to complete the mural, which was painted on a building in Roubaix, France. This location was intentional due to Roubaix's "large migrant population" who live in "extremely difficult circumstances," De Leeuw said to Storyful. "The values that the statue once stood for — freedom, hope, the right to be yourself — have been lost for many," she continued. It's important to note that France formally gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States on July 4, 1884, to celebrate US independence and American democracy, among other things. De Leeuw called the unveiling of her mural on July 4 a "meaningful coincidence." Here's how people online are reacting to France's newest mural: "In case you are wondering what the world is thinking of us," one person wrote. "The French know. Hell the world knows. But tens of millions here, either clueless or shameless," another person wrote. "They should come take the real one back. We don't deserve her anymore." Others on TikTok expressed similar sentiments in the comments: Opposingly, a Republican lawmaker took to X to express his "disgust" at the mural. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
