‘Isn’t it blasphemous’: Internet divided as Rio mayor wants to dress Jesus statue in Taylor Swift shirt
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes has sparked controversy by expressing plans to dress the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in a Taylor Swift shirt.
The announcement comes in response to fervent requests from Swifties, fans of the global pop sensation, who wanted to see their idol’s influence on the city’s landmark following Era’s tour of Brazil.
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Mayor Eduardo Paes will approach the rector of Christ the Redeemer to project a Junior Jewels shirt onto the statue (Getty Images)
Rio Mayor Offers Unique Tribute to Taylor Swift’s ‘Era’s Tour’
The mayor, known for embracing unique and often unconventional ideas, said he would formally approach Christ the Redeemer rector Father Omar with the proposal to project a Junior Jewels shirt on the colossal statue.
The gesture is meant to honor Swift’s “Era’s Tour,” an important moment for fans of the Grammy-winning artist.
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🇧🇷| Rio de Janeiro Mayor @eduardopaes announces he will ask Christ the Redeemer Rector Father Omar to grant Swifties’ wishes and project a Junior Jewels shirt onto the statue in honor of #RioDeJaneiroTSTheErasTour!
“Dear fans of @taylorswift13. I will… pic.twitter.com/zUxtDZmFcJ
– Taylor Swift Updates 🩵 (@swifferupdates) November 13, 2023
While some welcomed the idea of celebrating pop culture, others fiercely opposed it, questioning the potential disrespect to the religious and cultural significance of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
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Some netizens pointed out that the statue had previously been dressed in different football team jerseys, implying that this act may not be as unprecedented as it seems.
Unveiling the historical significance of Christ the Redeemer
The historic statue of Christ the Redeemer, also known as “Cristo Redentor” in Portuguese, stands atop Corcovado Mountain and is of immense importance to Rio de Janeiro and the world.
In nine years of manufacturing, finalized in 1931, this colossal art deco statue of Jesus Christ became an emblematic symbol of Brazil.
The Christ the Redeemer statue, or “Cristo Redentor” in Portuguese, overlooks Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Lisa Wiltse/Corbis via Getty Images)
Created by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski, the original concept depicted Christ holding a large cross in one hand and a globe in the other, earning the statue the nickname “Christ with a Ball.”
However, after careful consideration of the landscape, the final design adopted an Art Deco style, depicting Christ with outstretched arms.
Considered one of the wonders of the world, it attracts millions of visitors each year, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and demonstrating both religious faith and architectural brilliance.
Netizens React to Controversial Christ the Redeemer Dressing in a Taylor Swift T-Shirt
The proposal to dress the statue of Jesus in a Taylor Swift T-shirt sparked differing opinions on X (formerly Twitter).
One user tweeted: “We are witnessing history in real time.”
While one user asked: “Isn’t that blasphemous?” another added: “No, they often screen team jerseys so it’s not that big of a deal.”
One user chimed in: “Actually, that’s not the case! We would also need the Father’s approval anyway.”
“This is weird and inconspicuous. Can they do something else please,” one user said.
We witness history being written in real time
– Nish Sjöberg (@tis_sjoberg) November 13, 2023
Isn’t that blasphemous? 🤣
– Armando Martí B (@MandoMarTS) November 13, 2023
No, they often project team jerseys, so it’s not that big of a deal.
– Bombeirinho (Taylor Version) 👨🏻🚒🔥 (@vinifireman) November 13, 2023
Actually, that’s not the case! We would also need the Father’s approval anyway pic.twitter.com/Rh7gBLnxFd
— Now that we’re not talking ♥️🤍💚🖤🍉🍉🍉 (@mandy_pond) November 13, 2023
It’s weird and discreet. Can they do something else please
– Mac (@EverLess8) November 13, 2023
One tweet read: “We need this,” and another wrote: “Seems a bit sacrilegious? I love Taylor with all my heart but I don’t know, it’s weird.”
“Stop, this is really hilarious if it’s real,” another noted.
We need it pic.twitter.com/eCnTP8aNRU
– when Giulia falls in love (19🇧🇷24🇦🇺) (@liliougiu) November 13, 2023
Does that seem a bit sacrilegious? I love Taylor with all my heart but I don’t know, it’s weird
— My name is Delilah and I was born in 1998 (@aliens_are_fake) November 14, 2023
Stop 😂 it’s actually hilarious if it’s real.
– Lindsay 🌼 (@lindsaydwalsh) November 13, 2023
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individuals and organizations. cannot independently confirm them and does not endorse the claims or opinions made online.
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