‘I thought it was hideous,’ says Sinéad O’Connor’s brother as museum pulls waxwork of star
Representation ‘did not meet fans’ expectations,’ admits director
The National Wax Museum says it will start afresh and make a new, more accurate representation of Sinéad O’Connor after the waxwork of her unveiled on Thursday was removed following a backlash.
The singer’s brother, John, described the figure as “hideous” and said an appropriate way to honour the Irish music icon would be with a statue.
The museum said the unveiling of the wax figure had been organised to coincide with the first anniversary of her death yesterday, as “a tribute to her profound legacy and influence on the world of music and Irish culture”.
But it acknowledged that the representation of her “did not meet our high standards or the expectations of Sinéad’s devoted fans”.
“We have listened closely to the reactions and agree that the figure does not fully capture Sinéad’s unique presence and essence as we intended.”
Speaking on RTÉ Liveline, museum director Paddy Dunning, a long-time friend of the singer, said: “I’ve taken the decision to cancel the statue.”
“I’ve told them to take it down,” Mr Dunning said, acknowledging that the museum “must do better on this occasion” and apologised for “any hurt or upset” the rendering might have caused.
The decision comes after the late singer’s brother, John O’Connor, said he did not want to denigrate any artist, but believed the wax figure bore little likeness to his sister.
“Normally, I’d be a very private person and I avoided the whole limelight of Sinéad all my life – just when I saw it online yesterday I was shocked,” he said.
He added he thought the figure “looked something between a mannequin and something out of the Thunderbirds” and did not believe it was an accurate representation of what his sister looked like in her 20s, when Nothing Compares 2 U was released.
“I thought it was hideous,” he said, adding that he believed it was “inappropriate” to honour her memory with something “so hideous” and that a statue in Dublin should be considered as a way to honour the Irish music icon.
“I fully appreciate that the world lost a star and someone with an incredible musical presence, I lost my sister and to me that’s what’s important, and as she is not here to defend herself or speak for herself, I took it upon myself to contact (Liveline) about it.”
Mr Dunning explained that the wax figure had been delivered on Tuesday night and said his “heart sank a bit” when he saw it on the morning of the launch. He said this was not the usual process involved in the unveiling of a waxwork figure, which includes an analysis, review and approval of the figure with the museum team.
He said the figure was intended as a celebration of her life, but added it was a “mistake” that the museum did not have “time” to engage in the usual approval process.
In a statement announcing the decision to pull the waxwork figure from the museum yesterday, the Wax Museum described the singer’s impact on Ireland and on music as “immeasurable” and said the goal was to honour her “in the most fitting and respectful manner”.
“We deeply appreciate the public’s love for Sinéad and share in their admiration for her remarkable career and contributions,” the statement added.
“With this in mind, we are committed to creating a new wax figure that better reflects Sinéad O’Connor’s true spirit and iconic image. Our team of skilled artists will begin this project immediately, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted to celebrate her legacy appropriately.”
The museum thanked those who provided their feedback and assured them their “voices are heard”. “We look forward to unveiling a new figure that truly honours Sinéad O’Connor and her extraordinary impact.”
Meanwhile, dozens of fans gathered outside her former home in Bray, Co Wicklow, yesterday on the anniversary of her death in London last year.