NATIONAL NEWS

Melania Trump Statue In Slovenia Removed After Being Set On Fire

Jul 9, 2020, 9:14 AM | Updated: 9:15 am

A Melania Trump statue that was burned by vandals stood near the First Lady's hometwon in Slovenia....

A Melania Trump statue that was burned by vandals stood near the First Lady's hometwon in Slovenia. (Jure Makovec/AFP/Getty Images)

(Jure Makovec/AFP/Getty Images)

A statue of Melania Trump has been removed from near her hometown in Slovenia after being badly burned by vandals, the artist who commissioned the sculpture told CNN Thursday.

The statue, near Sevnica, central Slovenia, was set alight on July 4, artist Brad Downey said.

Downey said he received a call from the local police department asking him what to do with the statue, which was made in July 2019 as part of an ongoing project that includes a short documentary film.

He said the statue was removed on July 4 and he asked locals not to distribute photos of the scorched figure so it did not become a “violent meme.”

Downey has filed a police report but said he is only interested in finding the attackers, not pressing charges against them.

“I would be curious to see who did it,” he told CNN. “Someone doesn’t like what it represents or how it looks,” said Downey, who believes that the timing of the attack — on US Independence Day — means it was not a random “drunken act.”

CNN has contacted Slovenian Police for comment.

A burned Melania Trump statue in Sevnica, Slovenia, is now in storage. (Jure Makovec/AFP/Getty Images)

A burned Melania Trump statue in Sevnica, Slovenia, is now in storage. (Jure Makovec/AFP/Getty Images)

Downey has since posted a video of the statue being removed on his Instagram account.

Downey previously told CNN that he was inspired to create the piece due to what he called the “anti-immigration narrative” coming out of the US and from Donald Trump in particular.

He said it was a “contradiction” that the US President, who has made halting immigration a cornerstone of his presidency, is married to an immigrant whose first language is not English.

Downey commissioned a local conceptual artist named Ales Zupevc, better known as Maxi, who was born in the same hospital and the same year as the first lady, to carve the statue from a tree using a chainsaw.

Although media reports said the statue had divided public opinion, locals like the project and have looked after the statue and the surrounding area, said Downey.

“They’ve been nothing but supportive,” he said. “They were really proud of this thing.”

Downey told CNN he is working on an artistic response to the attack, as well as a video on the media’s response to the statue.

“I’ll probably try to do something in that location,” he said, adding that the “deeply burned” original statue is now in storage.

Downey also released a book — “Slapstick Formalism” — last month and is preparing for a new exhibition in Slovenia in September.

Sevnica is a sleepy town of 5,000 that has profited from its most famous daughter, placing itself firmly on the tourist trail and selling a range of Melania-themed products including honey, chocolate and cake.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

President George Washington had no children of his own, but new research has identified the remains...

Mindy Weisberger, CNN

George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves

Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of President George Washington’s younger brother Samuel and his kin.

8 minutes ago

FILE: Actor Louis Gossett Jr. attends the 47th NAACP Image Awards presented by TV One at Pasadena C...

Beth Harris

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” has died. He was 87.

2 hours ago

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2...

Farnoush Amiri, Associated Press

House Republicans invite President Biden to testify at public hearing as impeachment inquiry stalls

House Republicans have invited President Joe Biden to testify before Congress on their stalled monthslong impeachment inquiry.

12 hours ago

FILE - Eggs are displayed on store shelves at a local grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 21, 20...

Dee-Ann Burrin, AP Business Writer

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as Easter and Passover approach.

14 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

14 hours ago

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock...

John Towfighi, CNN

As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Melania Trump Statue In Slovenia Removed After Being Set On Fire