Tina Turner fans blast 'disrespectful' 10-foot tribute statue unveiled in her hometown

A new statue of Tina Turner has been unveiled where the star grew up - but some fans have had a less than favourable reaction to it.

The 10-feet-tall statue was unveiled in the Tennessee community where Tina grew up, just steps away from where she attended high school.

In the work, Tina is depicted mic in hand, appearing as though she is performing on stage, and sporting her signature hair do.

Sculptor Fred Ajanogha created the statue, saying that he paid particular attention to her hair, which he said was like the 'mane of a lion'.

It was unveiled as part of an annual ceremony in the town of Brownsville which marks the iconic singer's early years spent growing up before she moved away and found stardom as one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century.

Unfortunately, since the statue's unveiling, some fans have felt that it has not captured the essence of Tina and took to social media to share their thoughts.

The statue has had a mixed reaction (WBBJ)

One person had a very strong reaction to the artwork, even suggesting it should have been taken down.

They wrote: “That statue should have been kicked down after the unveiling. That is a very poor replica of what is supposed to be The Iconic Tina Turner. So Disrespectful!”

Another said they couldn't take the piece seriously, writing: “I’m sorry, but the Tina Turner statue is hilarious. I can’t look at it without laughing. And that’s my girl, but why they do that to her hair?”

A third fan wrote simply: “She deserves better.”

Tina overcame immense difficulties in her life, including an abusive relationship with her husband Ike who she started her career performing with in the 1960s.

In 1976, Tina left Ike with literal cents in her pocket.

As if separating from an abusive husband wasn't hard enough, following their split, Tina was then hit with a series of lawsuits over cancelled concerts, and turned to performing to pay her debts.

Tina Turner performing in Chicago in 1984 (Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

Despite the immense challenge, Tina went on to build a hugely successful career as a solo artist, even outshining her previous career with her ex-husband as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.

It's not the first time that fans have had a strong reaction to a statue erected in honor of a celebrity.

Sofia Vergara previously had a similar statue unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla, and fans were also left unimpressed by the results.

One wrote: "As Shakira and Sofia I also share the same place of birth as them. And let me tell you they need to stop making these statues they are horrendous I've seen the one for Shakira and it looks nothing like her."

UNILAD has approached Fred Ajanogha for comment.