Uncommissioned Statue of Charlie Kirk Stirs Controversy in New York

Italian-born New York sculptor Sergio Furnari spent $100,000 of his own money to create a life-size, 6 ft 4 in statue of the late far-right activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, who was shot dead in September 2025, had been a prominent figure in conservative youth circles through his Turning Point USA foundation. Furnari intended to display the work in Times Square on 10 September 2026, the anniversary of Kirk’s death, but no individual or organization has commissioned or purchased the piece.

The Guardian

Furnari told the Guardian that he does not share Kirk’s political views, noting, “I wasn’t a fan of Charlie.” He said the project was meant to “glorify and to exercise the first amendment, this freedom of speech,” and likened his artistic impulse to that of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The sculptor also mentioned a desire to support Kirk’s widow and to “commemorate a person.”

The Guardian

Expecting donations from unnamed wealthy benefactors, Furnari launched an online campaign seeking $150,000 to fund a touring exhibition. As of the latest update, the effort has raised $1,400. The sculptor reports a flood of hostile messages, including threats that people intend to urinate on the statue. He also suffered a broken foot after tripping over a roll of tape in his studio.

The Guardian

Furnari maintains that the work is not cursed, describing it as “blessed.” He acknowledges the financial strain, calling the situation “a total, absolute nightmare” and criticizing the lack of support. Despite the setbacks, he plans to install the statue in Times Square on the targeted date, hoping the high-visibility location will generate interest and recoup costs.

The Guardian

• “Is it cursed? Maybe. I don’t know,” — Sergio Furnari

The Guardian

• “I wasn’t a fan of Charlie,” — Sergio Furnari

The Guardian

• “The same reason why Michelangelo did the Pietà, or Michelangelo did the David, or Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.” — Sergio Furnari

The Guardian

• “The statue is not cursed. The statue is blessed,” — Sergio Furnari

The Guardian

• “Things financially are a total, absolute nightmare. It’s like wow. People are cheap, man. You know, people talk, talk – I know lots of people out there, and everybody’s so cheap. You know, like, it’s disgusting how cheap they are.” — Sergio Furnari

The Guardian