New York: Sculpture commemorating alligator sewer myth unveiled in Union Square Park
A “masterpiece” sculpture has been unveiled in New York City paying homage to one of its most famous urban legends – alligators living in the sewers.
The public art installation features a life-sized alligator on the back of a manhole cover and draws inspiration from what organisers called a “century-old myth”.
Legend suggests New Yorkers once abandoned baby alligators when they became too large to keep as pets – with the story evolving into “tales of subterranean monsters” living in the “underbelly” of the city, officials said.
The bronze sculpture, called NYC Legend, was unveiled in Union Square Park by Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor and pays tribute to “New York City’s enduring capacity to adapt and survive” – a quality “embodied by the alligator”.
Community organisation Union Square Partnership said the work was “inspired by the resilience of both alligators and New Yorkers” and the “magnificent” sculpture merges ancient mythological symbolism with modern urban folklore.
Mr Klingspor said: “Stories are the very backbone of human civilisation giving shape to our shared consciousness through sculptures, paintings, and architecture.
“This piece is a testament to our timeless drive to find icons in nature, and to the bridge that myth builds between the ancient and modern that still echoes today.”
Anthony Perez, of New York City Parks, said: “This sculpture is a beautiful representation of our enduring resilience as New Yorkers, and embodies one of the most famous urban legends about our city.
“Public art installations like this are one of the many ways we use our public parks to celebrate the stories and spirit that make our city so unique.
“I’m so excited to see this sculpture take its place in iconic Union Square Park, where I’m sure it will surprise and delight both New Yorkers and visitors.”
Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor at the unveiling of the sculpture. Pic: Union Square Partnership
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The sculpture in one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations will be on display for eight months until June 2024.
Joseph Douek, a member of the NYC Planning Commission, said: “We take great pride in showcasing Klingspor’s masterpiece and are hopeful for its permanent installation following the exhibition period.”
Entertainment
Gregg Wallace: Over half of allegations against MasterChef presenter substantiated, including one of unwanted physical contact
An investigation into Gregg Wallace’s “inappropriate behaviour” on MasterChef has found that more than half of the allegations against him have been substantiated, including one of “unwanted physical contact”.
MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK shared a summary of its report into historical allegations of misconduct against the 60-year-old presenter, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin over seven months.
The report also said the number of sustained allegations made Wallace’s return to MasterChef “untenable”.
The investigation heard evidence from 78 witnesses, including 41 complainants.
There were 83 allegations against Wallace, and 45 of them were substantiated. All were related to MasterChef.
While the majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated.
One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated.
Nearly all the allegations against Wallace were related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018, with just one substantiated allegation taking place post-2018.
Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
Ahead of the publication of the summary, Wallace had said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Additionally, the report summary found that there were also 10 standalone allegations about other people between 2012 and 2018/2019, two of which were substantiated. Those people were not named in the summary.
The investigation found that complaints had previously been raised with the production company between 2005 and 2024.
Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
While the report flagged inadequate reporting procedures prior to 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine ahead of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine in 2020, it said there were significant improvements to HR processes and training after 2016.
While the investigation said some formal action was taken by the BBC in 2017, it also noted the corporation held no information regarding concerns raised over Wallace centrally, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Sky News has tried to contact Gregg Wallace for contact today.
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