New York-based sculptor Sergio Furnari invested £75,000 in creating a life-sized statue of Charlie Kirk, the late right-wing activist, with the goal of raising substantial funds. Despite the significant financial and personal commitment, the statue has struggled to attract buyers since its completion.

Furnari, who sustained a broken foot after tripping over tape during the sculpture’s creation, expressed frustration over the lack of interest in the work. The artist also revealed that the statue has become a target for vandalism, with some critics reportedly threatening to urinate on it.

The statue was intended to serve not only as a tribute to Kirk but also as a means of generating millions of pounds, underscoring Furnari’s hopes for both financial return and political impact. However, the reaction from the public and potential purchasers has been far less enthusiastic than anticipated.

The reasons behind the reluctance to acquire the statue have not been explicitly detailed, though the combination of Kirk’s controversial political stance and the threats of defacement suggest a polarized response. Furnari himself questioned whether the project might be “cursed” after the series of unfortunate events during its creation and subsequent reception.

Despite these setbacks, Furnari has continued to defend the artistic and financial merits of the piece. The sculpture’s future remains uncertain as the artist navigates both market disinterest and the challenges posed by detractors.