Tina Turner Statue Sparks Outrage: Fans Slam Brownsville's Tribute

On September 27, 2025, a 10-foot bronze statue of legendary singer Tina Turner was unveiled in her hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee, during the city's annual Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration. The monument, designed by Atlanta-based sculptor Fred Ajanogha, depicts Turner mid-performance, striking a confident pose in a mini-dress and high heels.

The statue was installed in Brownsville's Heritage Park near Turner's alma mater, Carver High School, and was created as part of Ford's Good Neighbor Plan for West Tennessee. The automotive brand contributed $150,000 toward the statue's manufacture in partnership with the city of Brownsville.

However, the tribute did not receive a warm reception from Turner's fans, many of whom took to social media to criticize the statue's design and its questionable resemblance to the real-life Turner. Fans expressed their disappointment, with some describing the statue as a "tragedy" and others finding it "hilarious" and not doing justice to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's legacy.

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, led a life of musical greatness and personal trauma. The Grammy-winning songstress reportedly sold 100 million records worldwide in a groundbreaking career that included five platinum albums and six top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Turner's fans believe she deserves a more authentic and fitting tribute in her hometown.