A controversial West Footscray street mural has been blacked out despite Maribyrnong Council insisting the repainted mural was no longer being targeted for removal.
Street artist Lushsux had reacted to the furore over his mural of US presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in a skimpy swimsuit by painting over the image with a Muslim niqab on Monday, leaving only the eyes able to be seen.
But on Tuesday the entire mural was painted over in black paint.
The mural had been painted with permission on the exterior of a Sunshine Road business called Mr Mobility, which sells wheelchairs and scooters.
Maribyrnong Council had written to the property owner warning they had 10 days to remove the Clinton image or they could face fines and prosecution.
Chief executive Stephen Wall said a number of complaints had been made about the original mural and the Council considered it ‘offensive’ because of the depiction of a near naked woman, not on the basis of disrespect to Hilary Clinton.
Mr Wall said on Tuesday the updated mural featuring the niqab was no longer considered offensive and the council would no longer be taking action against the store owner.
Lushsux posted an image of the blacked-out wall on his social media accounts with the caption “Looks like the council wins”.
He told Star Weekly he blamed the “shifty and pathetic” council for its removal as he believed it had “leaned on the real estate” agent, who in turn removed it.
Victoria Police superintendent Stuart Bateson said the original mural of Hillary Clinton had denigrated a high profile female leader.
“To display Hilary Clinton taking money in a g-string is another example of the belittling of women in leadership,” he said.
“It is misogyny and that is offensive. We absolutely support the decision of the Maribyrnong City Council.”
Maribyrnong Council has been contacted for comment.
