Disney removes statue inspired by Jackson

updated 7:58 p.m. ET March 2, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Walt Disney Co. has quietly shelved a life-size statue of Mickey Mouse inspired by singer Janet Jackson, who was roundly criticized for a risque Super Bowl halftime performance.

The 6-foot, 700-pound statue was one of 75 unveiled at Walt Disney World in Orlando last fall to celebrate the 75th birthday of Mickey Mouse. The statues were inspired by celebrities such as tennis star Andre Agassi, actress Jamie Lee Curtis and comedian Ellen DeGeneres.

The statue inspired by Jackson was clad in a tight black outfit similar to one she wore in 1990 after the release of her album, Rhythm Nation 1928. It was replaced by a spare statue designed by Luis Fernandez, an in-house Disney artist.

“Considering all the controversy it drew, we talked it over for a couple of days and decided it would be best to replace hers with a new one,” Gary Foster, a Disney spokesman, told the Orlando Sentinel.

Foster didn’t immediately return a phone call to The Associated Press.

Jackson’s bump-and-grind performance with singer Justin Timberlake during last month’s Super Bowl was capped by Timberlake ripping a piece of clothing off to reveal her breast.

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