Americans are raging over the 12-foot-tall woman sculpture installed in Times Square, here's why

Times Square in New York is a local and global tourist destination. The popular spot is a hub for people visiting tourists who are amazed by the place's buzzing life and digital scape, where thousands of advertisements hoard space. However, over the years, Times Square has become more than just a popular spot. It is now a place used to give out global messages and celebrate communities and togetherness.

The Times Square website itself emphasises the transition, “Times Square stands as an iconic symbol and site of convergence, uniting people from all walks of life, individual stories and experiences intersecting on a global platform.”

This was also the motive behind a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of a woman that is currently standing in Times Square. Presented by the Times Square Arts , the statue is a work of London-based figurative artist Thomas J. Price . The new installation subtly nods towards Michelangelo's David while capturing the ordinary characteristics of a woman through her posture, expression and attire.

Titled ' Grounded in the Stars ', the installation aims at making people ponder over the emotion of empathy and introspect on the statue by comparing it with that of the two men in Duffy Square. The sculpture will be on display till June 17.

Americans rage over ' Letitia James ' statue
Many people on X have been comparing the "plus size" statue to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who Trump recently labelled as "a total crook" after the Justice Department got a receipt of a criminal referral charging the Democrat of mortgage fraud. "The statue of a 12-foot-plus-size” African American woman has been erected in the middle of Time Square. Looks kinda like Leticia James" wrote a person on X.

Something seriously wrong when they start erecting 12-13 Foot Queen Latifa Statues! This massive 12-foot tall statue was just erected in Times Square which “confronts preconceived notions of identity and representation” pic.twitter.com/SkDpfLFrVK

— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) May 7, 2025

So remind me, how does a statue of an overweight, black woman at 12 feet tall get a spot in Times Square?
Is it Leticia James?

— Mommamia (@MaryLafazi23222) May 7, 2025

Others have been simply mocking the creation and motive behind the statue. "This 12 ft bronze statue of an black woman was just installed in the middle of Times Square. The expression on her face looks like she’s either about to cry or argue with the cashier at Target" commented an X user.

🤨 pic.twitter.com/Ehf2irKWt0

— Rothmus 🏴 (@Rothmus) May 6, 2025

OH LORD HAVE MERCY… A 12-FOOT STATUE? IN THE MIDDLE OF TIMES SQUARE???

Now listen - I got no problem with honoring real people, real contributions, real culture.

But if we out here throwin’ up statues of folks NOBODY can name, no story, no legacy, just vibes?!? That’s not…

— Not Stephen A Smith (@StephenATruths) May 7, 2025

Some social media users have pointed out how, rather than fighting preconceived notions, the statue is actually emphasising them writing, "it doesn't actually confront preconceived notions, does it? it actually... no no can't say it.' But on the contrary, others have understood what the statue really stands for, “Love how this 12ft bronze statue in Times Square breaks the mold celebrating a plus-size Black woman in a space dominated by statues of men. It’s bold, inclusive, and makes you think about who gets immortalized."

It increases representation.

— Immor Tanzit (She/Her/Yeye) (@ImmortanZit) May 7, 2025

Highlight the statue’s role in challenging norms: “Love how this 12ft bronze statue in Times Square breaks the mold celebrating a plus-size Black woman in a space dominated by statues of men. It’s bold, inclusive, and makes you think about who gets immortalized.

— Kiana Moore (@Kiana08Moore) May 7, 2025