Tuesday. 10.12.2024

A new bronze statue of the opera diva Maria Callas has drawn amused comments online from Greeks after the shiny golden work of art was ceremoniously unveiled at the foot of the Acropolis on Friday.

The Greeks adore the singer with Greek roots - even though she was born in New York. But not everyone is happy with the statue.

"Looks like a Terminator," people were saying on Twitter and Facebook.

"A tacky piece that would be better off in a Star Wars theme park," wrote one user.

"Maria, we sincerely apologize to you," wrote another.

Some linked the memorial to the diva's tragic life, her ill-fated love affair with shipowner Aristotle Onassis and her lonely death in Paris at the age of just 53.

Life 'tragic enough'

"You'd think her life was tragic enough - and then this!" one user mocked.

When asked about the reactions, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakogiannis defended the work of Greek sculptor Aphrodite Liti.

"I believe it is a work that honours the memory of Maria Callas," he told TV channel Mega on Tuesday.

The famous singer would have turned 100 in 2023. The tributes and festivities for Maria Callas are to begin as early as next year.

New Greek statue of Maria Callas ridiculed in social media