The mystery behind Taylor Swift’s DEATH mural as it transforms into gorilla Harambe following ‘legal threat’
Artist Lushsux opens up about the inspiration behind the mural
TAYLOR Swift’s controversial memorial in Melbourne has been defaced, just 24 hours after being painted.
The artwork, which proclaimed the “death” of the pop princess, has since had a cartoon face of Harambe the gorilla scribbled across it, after the original artist claimed they’d had legal action threatened against them.
Harambe hit the headlines in May after a toddler climbed into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio - he was then shot dead for the child's protection, which sparked outrage from the public.
Talking of the artwork, artist Lushsux explained: “The recent passing of @taylorswift is heart wrenching. Come and leave some flowers and light some candles at her memorial in Hosier Lane in honour of her memory.”
Although many eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the painting actually spelt “Taylor Smith” rather than “Taylor Swift,” the artist explained this was an intentional typo to avoid "the pending defamation lawsuit.”
They later uploaded a follow up post which read: “Taylor Smith’s attorney has emailed me with a threat of legal action if I do not remove my wall relating to her.”
The piece provoked quite the backlash, with one Twitter user writing: “Someone wasted their own time doing something as hateful as this? what is wrong with people.”
Another added: “This is disgusting..don’t make joke about death. no matter how much you hate anyone..this is so immature and stupid."
Taylor found herself in hot water this week after a leaked conversation between her and Kanye West was posted to Kim Kardashian’s Snapchat.
During the conversation, Taylor can be heard referring to the rappers hit song Famous as a “compliment” – despite previously denying ever having any knowledge of the track which brands her a “bitch” in the lyrics.
In the recording, Kanye can be heard saying: “I don’t want to do rap that makes people feel bad.”
With the singer responding: “Umm, yeah I mean go with whatever line you think is better. It’s obviously very tongue in cheek either way. And I really appreciate you telling me about it, that’s really nice.”
We then reported how Kim and Kanye could face up to three years in prison by violating California penal code 632 – a law that makes it illegal to record calls without permission from both sides.
A US source revealed: “Taylor’s team believe that Kanye and Kim have quite clearly broken the law.
“They are on a mission to destroy Taylor but there could be serious consequences because they made the phone call from California where it is illegal to tape calls without permission.
“They didn’t ask permission from Taylor and that could be considered a felony where the offenders can be jailed for up to three years.”
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