Controversial anti-Trump French mural of Lady Liberty hiding her face sparks backlash: 'Shame on them'

ROUBAIX, FRANCE: As Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4, a striking mural in France sparked fierce debate online. 

Dutch artist Judith de Leeuw unveiled the artwork in the northern city of Roubaix, depicting Lady Liberty hiding her face in "shame" - a bold and controversial twist on the beloved symbol that France gifted to the United States. 

The mural, which is titled as “The Statue of Liberty’s Silent Protest", has outraged many, especially Donald Trump supporters, who interpret the powerful image as a provocative statement on today’s political climate.

What did Dutch muralist Judith de Leeuw claim about Statue of Liberty?

Dutch muralist Judith de Leeuw spent six days painting a striking mural that reimagines the Statue of Liberty. The artwork shows Lady Liberty covering her face, a powerful symbol of "shame" and sorrow. France originally gave the statue to the US after the Civil War to honor the nations’ alliance and shared values.

In an interview with Storyful, de Leeuw said the mural reflects her "shame" over President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policies, which led to the deportation of thousands.

“Roubaix has a large migrant population,” she said. “Many of them live in extremely difficult circumstances. The values that the statue once stood for—freedom, hope, the right to be yourself—have been lost for many.”

De Leeuw called the mural’s July 4 unveiling a “meaningful coincidence,” noting the contrast between US Independence Day and the statue’s lost symbolism.

Although the piece stirred controversy, she said many locals in Roubaix embraced its message of support for migrants.

De Leeuw wrote that the statue was meant to celebrate "freedom" for all. But today, she believes that freedom is no longer universal. “Not for migrants. Not for those pushed to the margins, silenced, or unseen,” she wrote.

She revealed, "I painted her covering her eyes because the weight of the world has become too heavy to witness. What was once a shining symbol of liberty now carries the sorrow of lost meaning.”

Internet sparks outrage after a statue of Lady Liberty covering her face emerged

The mural sparked online backlash for its commentary on US immigration policies during the Trump administration.

Poking fun at the hygienic situation in Paris, one social media user claimed, "Lady Liberty is covering her face so she doesn't have to smell Paris."

Another scoffed, "This is rich coming from France. Have they seen the state of their country?"

One X user claimed it was reflective of France's decline instead of being a potshot at what America had become, "She’s not hiding—she’s mourning. France’s decline now etched in paint."

Another chastised the country for pointing fingers at America as they wrote, "They should be worrying about there own back yard. Those that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones."

A netizen slammed, "France should be ashamed of itself."

"They owe America more than they could ever dream of paying back. Shame on them," an X user criticized. 

A commenter declared, "That country has no room to mock us."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online