The wax statue depicting the American actor Dwayne Johnson, better known as “The Rock,” has undergone swift modifications. Following criticisms about the “skin tone” of the sculpture, the Grévin Museum took swift action to make alterations. The statue is set to return to its place today, October 25, as conveyed by Yves Delhommeau, the esteemed museum’s General Director in Paris.
The corrective action commenced on the evening of Monday, October 23, when the figure was removed. “Our skilled craftsmen promptly undertook the task to adjust the skin tone,” Delhommeau stated. He further added that Dwayne Johnson has committed to visiting the museum during his next trip to Paris, with an intent to review the modifications and provide any additional feedback.
The creation of this statue was a meticulous endeavor spanning over a year, largely due to the intricate tattoos borne by the actor. “We primarily relied on photographs as the actor couldn’t travel to Paris,” the director elucidated. Dressed in a polo shirt and navy trousers, Johnson’s statue stands amidst those of other luminaries like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Meryl Streep.
The Rock’s induction into the Grévin Museum was not arbitrary. He was selected through the “Grévin Awards,” where internet users were solicited to vote for their favorite celebrity.
Controversy arose when the star, of the Afro-American and Samoan descent, noticed the overly light complexion of his statue, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media platforms. On his Instagram account, which boasts nearly 391 million followers, Johnson articulated his intent to liaise with the museum for necessary updates. The comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr. humorously amplified the criticism by likening The Rock’s statue to a rendition of David Beckham.
This isn’t the first instance of the Grévin Museum confronting such controversies. Back in 2018, the museum was at the epicenter of a debate for unveiling a statue of French President Emmanuel Macron, which was perceived as lacking resemblance.
Each statue at the museum, representing over 250 celebrities, demands significant time and financial investment. The sculpting process spans six months, with costs ranging between 50,000 and 60,000 euros.
With AFP
