What was meant to be a tribute to one of music’s most iconic performers has quickly turned into a public relations nightmare. The London branch of a world-famous wax museum found itself under fire this week after unveiling a new Tina Turner wax statue that fans say looks nothing like the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. Within hours of its debut, photos of the figure went viral — and so did the backlash.
The statue, which was intended to honor Tina Turner’s legacy following her passing, was revealed during a press event attended by fans and journalists. But instead of applause, the crowd fell silent. Social media quickly filled with angry and confused reactions, as fans pointed out that the figure bore only a vague resemblance to the late superstar.
“Who is this supposed to be?” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It looks more like a random backup singer than Tina Turner.” Another added, “They did the Queen dirty — she gave us power, passion, and soul, and they gave her a wax mannequin with no spark.”
Many criticized the museum for missing the essence of Turner’s commanding presence — her fierce confidence, radiant smile, and unmistakable energy. Some even accused the creators of “erasing her fire” and called the statue “soulless.” Fans shared side-by-side comparisons of the wax figure and real photos of Tina from her Private Dancer era, with one viral post captioned:
“Tina Turner lit up every room she walked into. This version couldn’t light up a candle.”
Facing growing outrage, the museum’s spokesperson released an official statement the following day:
“We sincerely apologize to Tina Turner’s fans and family. Our goal was to celebrate her extraordinary legacy with respect and admiration. We recognize that the initial version of the figure did not meet expectations, and we are already working with new artists to make the necessary improvements.”
The museum also confirmed that the wax figure has been temporarily removed from public display while a redesign is underway. “We want to ensure that Tina Turner’s likeness captures the energy, charisma, and beauty that made her a legend,” the statement continued.
Even celebrities and fellow musicians joined the discussion. One British pop star tweeted, “Tina Turner broke boundaries and inspired generations — she deserves better than a half-hearted tribute.”
Despite the controversy, fans have found a silver lining in the situation — a renewed wave of appreciation for Turner’s enduring impact. Streams of her music soared again on Spotify after the story went viral, with “Proud Mary” and “The Best” topping nostalgic playlists worldwide.
Still, for many, the museum’s misstep serves as a lesson about authenticity and respect. Tina Turner wasn’t just another celebrity — she was a symbol of strength, survival, and self-expression. Any tribute to her, fans say, should reflect that fire.
As one viral comment summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“You can’t capture Tina Turner in wax — she was too alive, too fierce, too real.”
The museum has promised to unveil a corrected version later this year. But for now, one thing is clear: Tina Turner’s true legacy doesn’t live in a wax figure — it lives in the hearts of those she inspired.