NEW YORK CITY—In a shocking and divisive move, New York City unveiled the “Statue of Black Karen” on Liberty Island today, replacing the iconic Statue of Liberty. The new statue, depicting an obese African American woman absorbed in her smartphone, has unleashed a firestorm of controversy across the nation.

The 151-foot bronze figure, created by controversial artist Kael Vortex, shows the woman raising a phone in place of the traditional torch, with a fast-food bag at her feet instead of the tablet marking American independence. City officials argue the statue reflects “the pulse of modern society” and seeks to ignite debate about technology, consumerism, and cultural identity.

Mayor Claudia Rivera defended the decision, stating, “The Statue of Black Karen reimagines freedom for 2025—a freedom to connect, consume, and assert individuality in a digital world.” The $280 million project, funded through private donations and city grants, has sparked scrutiny over its opaque financing.

Critics have condemned the statue as a betrayal of American principles. Historian Dr. Evelyn Hart labeled it “a bold new statement of liberty.”

The original Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, has been dismantled and relocated to an undisclosed storage facility, triggering lawsuits from heritage groups demanding its return. Protests are planned citywide this weekend, with organizers calling for clarity on the decision-making process.

Artist Vortex remained defiant, stating, “Art should unsettle. Black Karen reflects our obsession with screens, consumption, and self-expression. If you’re outraged, you’re engaged.”

As the nation grapples with this seismic change, the Statue of Black Karen’s permanence hangs in the balance—a potential new icon or a fleeting controversy. For now, Liberty Island bears a new symbol, its torch swapped for a smartphone’s glare.

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