Controversy over what AG calls 'demonic' statue going in Fox Park Neighborhood

The sculpture titled "Witness" will be installed on the Northeast corner of Rung for Women's property which sits adjacent to Fox Park.
The Gateway Foundation is permanently loaning the art work to Rung.
Dr. Heather Sweeney, Executive Director of the Gateway Foundation describes the statue as a suspended female figure with intertwined roots, meaning she carries her roots with her wherever she goes, and spiraling braids that are shaped like horns and signify strength.

"She is a self rooted, powerful, forward looking female form."

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hathaway takes issue with the sculptures horns, calling it 'demonic.'

"It is this weird statue that's coming to St. Louis. And it's come to other places. And it does, like, celebrate abortion and we're just asking a lot of questions about whether that's an appropriate thing to do," Hanaway tells KFTK.

Fox Park's Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier says she and the Fox Park neighborhood association back the sculpture.

She says the Preservation Board that approved the artwork makes those decisions based off of historical standards and codes, which the sculpture meets.

"Obviously they do not weigh in on people's First Amendment rights which is a Constitutional right of what art is appropriate and what it means. That's not something that the Cultural Resources office would weight in and I think it's a little surprising that that's something that the Attorney General would weigh in as well," Sonnier tells KMOX.

'Witness' is expected to be installed sometime this week. A spokesperson with Rung said it may take several days to complete.