Freddie Mercury gorilla statue removed in Norwich

A life-size gorilla sculpture painted as musician Freddie Mercury, was removed from Norwich city centre after a copyright complaint.

09:08 11 July 2013

A life-size gorilla sculpture dressed in a famous Freddie Mercury costume was removed from Norwich city centre after Jim Beach, Queen’s manager, called on behalf of the late singer’s estate. The estate claimed the suit worn by the gorilla has breached copyright.

The estate asked Freddie “Radio Go Go” sculpture to be taken off the streets. The GoGoGorillas team carried out the wishes of the Mercury Phoenix Trust and removed the sculpture.

Charlie Longhorne, the director of Wild in Art, which created the trail, confirmed that Mercury Phoenix Trust contacted them. He added: “They just said that they own the copyright on the suit and asked us to change it. That's being sorted. To save any bother we will change it.”

It is believed that a different item is now being made.