Charlie Kirk Statue Sculptor Receives Threats on Social Media
The sculptor behind the viral Charlie Kirk statue has faced a wave of online hatred. Sergio Furnari said he has received abusive messages from trolls who, he fears, might even try to confront him on the street. One such message reads: 'I really want to come to NYC just to burn and piss on that s*** Charlie Kirk statue.' Another message claims no one would care if Sergio suddenly died — not quite a death threat, but certainly a horrible thing to send someone.
Furnari, who has previously sculpted statues for celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and IShowSpeed, emphasizes that he is not a political person and did not support Kirk during his lifetime. However, after the shooting that took Kirk's life, the sculptor was inspired by his commitment to free speech and the treatment of Kirk's widow, Erika, after his death.
The statue is planned to be unveiled in Times Square on September 10, but it will not remain there for long — or be left unattended — due to threats, the materials it is made of, and limited funding. Furnari admits he is struggling financially; he sold his apartment to fund the project and hopes someone like Elon Musk will see his work and help fund a stainless steel version that would be more resistant to vandalism.
The sculptor has launched a GiveSendGo campaign with a goal of $150,000. When asked if he is worried about the threats, Furnari replied, 'God will be my security.' He also joked that he recently broke his foot, so he couldn't run from a would-be assailant anyway.
Furnari insists this project is about protecting democracy, not politics, and believes the statue could be as important as the Statue of Liberty and Michelangelo's 'David.' Sergio Furnari continues to receive support from some and hatred from others, but remains committed to his mission.
The story has sparked widespread reactions on social media, raising questions about the limits of free speech and the safety of artists. The Charlie Kirk statue has become a symbol of controversy, and its creator is now in the spotlight not only as an artist but also as a person defending his beliefs.
Despite the threats, Furnari is determined and plans to complete the project. The threats against the sculptor have only strengthened his resolve, and he hopes his work will be appreciated. He continues to seek funding and believes a patron will come forward to support his idea.