LAS VEGAS, Aug. 20 (UPI) — After a photo of a man imitating intercourse with Nicki Minaj’s new wax figurine went viral, Madame Tussauds released a statement Tuesday regarding its pose of choice for the sculpture.
“Nicki Minaj is an artist our visitors told us time and time again they wanted to see in the attraction, so we were thrilled to be able to add her figure to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas,” the statement, directed to Fader magazine, read.
“We made the decision to celebrate Minaj’s unforgettable pose inspired by the ‘Anaconda’ video because — thanks to her artistry and charisma — it resulted as one of the most iconic videos ever produced. The pose itself recreates an image Minaj published on her own social media channels as a teaser for the video. As with all people we immortalize in our attractions, her representatives were kept informed every step of the way during the figure-creation process and, once it was unveiled, Minaj herself repeatedly expressed her love of the figure on social media, calling the display “so iconic” and indicating her desire to come see it in person.”
In response to the offensive image taken with the statue — and many like it — the company released another statement via Twitter, promising to amplify security around the figurine and alter the surrounding exhibit to keep others from taking such photos in the future.
“We have been made aware of the inappropriate photograph that was taken at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, involving Nicki Minaj’s new wax figure,” the statement read, reminding readers that the attractions are meant to be interacted with. “It is unfortunate that this visitor decided to behave so inappropriately and we apologise for any offence this has caused.”
“We are taking immediate steps to ensure more staff are present in this area and that the set around this particular figure is redesigned so that a picture like this cannot be taken again.”
Nicki Minaj herself has only expressed positivity toward her Madame Tussauds figurine. When it debuted earlier this month, the “Feeling Myself” singer shared her excitement through a series of Instagram photos.
“I love it and I can’t wait to see it,” she wrote in one post.
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