PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A statue of a naked Donald Trump, standing several stories tall, is causing a social media sensation and stopping traffic in Kensington. Voters have quite a lot to say about it, as well.
Ruby from North Philadelphia said she found out about it on Facebook.
“I’m actually calling my dad about it so he can come see it.”
Chris from Fishtown says a friend told him about it.
“My buddy was riding the L and thought he was tripping. So I came over, and it’s real.”
It’s very real. Ruby, Chris and dozens of passersby stood along the 3700 block of Kensington Avenue, looking up at the 43-foot tall, 10-foot wide sculpture of the Republican presidential candidate depicted as a naked baby, or a nude marionette, held up by a crane.
“Only in Philly,” said Ruby.
But it’s not only in Philly. The statue is part of a tour traveling across the country called "Crooked and Obscene." The effigy has surprised and distracted people in cities including Detroit, Las Vegas and Madison, Wisconsin.
The goal, its creators say, is to provoke conversation about politics and leadership. So, is it working?
Well, it got Ruby and Greg talking.
“I’m still going to vote for Trump,” she said.
Greg took a different view. “The statue is setting a good example. He’s just trash. Get out of here.”
This is Philly, he said, adding he’d be surprised if the statue makes it to its next destination.
“I’m just wondering if it’s going to make it through the night here.”