Brassy bull vs. gutsy girl: There’s war on Wall Street

Creator of the New York City icon is seeing red over the gender-diversity upstart

USA TODAY Network

Charging Bull is ready to rumble with Fearless Girl.

The sculptor who created the iconic Charging Bull statue in New York City’s financial district says the city and an investment company violated his rights by installing the newly popular Fearless Girl near his creation without permission for what amounts to a commercial ad campaign.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday in Manhattan, Arturo Di Modica, 76, said he installed the bull in front of the New York Stock Exchange in 1987 as a symbol of America’s resilience after the stock market crash that year. The city later relocated the sculpture to a small public park nearby.

“The bull represents strength,” Di Modica said. “The strength of America, the strength of the market.”

In the years since, Charging Bull has become one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing tourists from all over the world.

Fearless Girl, with hands confidently placed on hips, was installed in front of the bull on the eve of last month’s annual commemorations of International Women’s Day. Bostonbased State Street Global Advisors has said it commissioned the artwork as part of its call on behalf of the more than 3,500 companies that benefit from its clients’ investments to ensure that corporate governing

MARK LENNIHAN, AP Fearless Girl staked her claim in front of Charging Bull on the eve of International Women’s Day last month.

CRAIG RUTTLE AP Arturo Di Modica, who’s known for fiercely protecting his creation, says the presence of Fearless Girl has altered the artistic message behind his work.