A wax figure of Sinéad O’Connor displayed at a museum in Dublin has sparked criticism for not accurately resembling the late singer. Following backlash from fans and O’Connor’s family, the National Wax Museum Plus has decided to remove the figure from its collection. The museum issued an apology to O’Connor’s family and pledged to create a more faithful representation of the iconic singer, known for her rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990.
John O’Connor, Sinéad’s brother, expressed his dismay at the figure, describing it as “hideous” and likening it to a combination of a department store mannequin and a character from a 1960s sci-fi TV series. The museum had unveiled the wax figure on the first anniversary of O’Connor’s passing, which occurred in July 2023 at the age of 56 in her London residence.
Sinéad O’Connor, who gained notoriety for her 1992 act of tearing a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live, was a beloved figure in Ireland, where she initially performed on the streets of Dublin. Her funeral procession in her hometown was attended by prominent figures including Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, President Michael Higgins, and musicians like Bono and Bob Geldof.
The incident with the inaccurate wax figure highlights the challenges of capturing the likeness of celebrities in such displays. Past examples include a Polish wax museum facing criticism for its eerie depictions of Princess Diana and Prince William, as well as a sculptor revamping his bronze sculpture of Cristiano Ronaldo following negative feedback. Similarly, U.S. soccer star Brandi Chastain had her plaque replaced after being compared to actors Gary Busey and Mickey Rooney, and former NFL coach Bill Belichick.
Paddy Dunning, director of the Dublin museum and a close friend of O’Connor, acknowledged the shortcomings of the wax figure and emphasized the singer deserved a more fitting tribute. John O’Connor expressed his disappointment with the timing of the unveiling and the lack of communication with the family, stating that while the world lost a star, he lost his sister. The museum affirmed its commitment to creating a more accurate representation of Sinéad O’Connor, recognizing the concerns raised by fans and family members.
