Dwayne Johnson’s Wax Figure In The Grevin Museum Has Been Changed Following Backlash

Dwayne Johnson, widely known as “The Rock,” has been a global icon for years, admired for his impressive physique and his multi-ethnic background, which includes Black Nova Scotian and Samoan heritage. On October 16, 2023, a wax figure of the star was unveiled at the prestigious Musée Grévin in Paris, a renowned museum famous for its wax sculptures of celebrities. However, the unveiling of this wax figure was far from smooth, as it quickly became the center of a controversy due to its inaccurate portrayal of Johnson’s skin tone.

Almost immediately after the unveiling, the wax figure of Dwayne Johnson received significant backlash from both fans and the actor himself. The primary point of contention was the skin tone of the statue, which appeared notably lighter than Johnson’s actual complexion. Many individuals believed that the figure inaccurately portrayed the actor’s multi-ethnic heritage, which has been an essential part of his identity and success.

Dwayne Johnson took to social media platforms to express his disappointment and address the issue. In a post on his Instagram account, the actor declared that he would take action to rectify the situation. He stated, “For the record, I’m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grévin Museum in Paris, France, so we can work at ‘updating’ my wax figure here with some important details and improvements – starting with my skin color.” This move by Johnson showcased his commitment to accuracy and respect for his diverse heritage.

In the wake of this controversy, the Grévin Museum faced allegations of whitewashing the wax figure. Whitewashing refers to the practice of lightening or altering the appearance of a person, particularly their skin color, to conform to a more Eurocentric standard of beauty. The museum, however, quickly denied these claims.

Veronique Berecz, who is responsible for public relations at the museum, issued a statement explaining the situation. She asserted that the lighter skin tone of the wax figure was not a result of intentional whitewashing but rather an honest mistake made during the creation process. Berecz clarified that the museum’s artists had relied on photographs of Dwayne Johnson as they did not have the opportunity to meet the actor in person for the sculpture. Unfortunately, the nuances of skin tones can be challenging to capture accurately in photos due to variations in lighting conditions.

Berecz elaborated on the complexities of creating wax sculptures, particularly when artists have not had the opportunity to meet their subjects in person. Crafting a lifelike wax figure involves meticulous attention to detail, from replicating precise facial and body shapes to accurately capturing the subject’s unique features, skin tone included. Without the chance to meet Dwayne Johnson in person, the artists had to rely solely on the photographs available to them, which proved to be insufficient.

The public relations assistant for the museum, Eugénie Outtier, emphasized that the artists had no intention to misrepresent Dwayne Johnson’s heritage or identity. The controversy that erupted was a result of the artists’ reliance on photographs, and the museum was quick to rectify the situation. When they realized the gravity of the public’s reaction through various blogs and social media platforms, the museum promptly made the decision to rectify the wax figure’s inaccuracies.

Dwayne Johnson’s response to the situation was notably gracious. He did not react with anger or condemnation but instead took a more understanding and constructive approach. The actor’s reaction, as described by Veronique Berecz, was “rather friendly when addressing the fact that his figure was indeed whiter than it should have been.” This response showcases Johnson’s professionalism and willingness to work with the museum to correct the issue.

The Grévin Museum acted swiftly to correct the inaccuracies in the wax figure. The priority was to bring the sculpture more in line with Dwayne Johnson’s true skin tone, honoring his diverse heritage. The updated wax figure was unveiled, which showcased a significantly darker skin tone, much closer to Johnson’s actual complexion. This change was a crucial step in addressing the concerns raised by the actor and his fans.

The museum used its Instagram account to communicate with the public regarding the wax figure’s update. An Instastory was featured, stating that the wax figure was a “work in progress.” This message indicated that the artists were diligently working on improving the sculpture to ensure it accurately represented Dwayne Johnson. Eugénie Outtier, the museum’s public relations assistant, further revealed that they intended to share new photos of the updated wax figure with Dwayne Johnson once the improvements were complete. This open communication demonstrated the museum’s commitment to ensuring that the actor was satisfied with the final result.

In a gesture of goodwill and appreciation, the Grévin Museum expressed its desire to celebrate the updated wax figure with Dwayne Johnson. They planned to invite him to the museum for a special event, suggesting that they would toast the new figure with a glass of champagne when he next visited Paris. This gesture reinforced their desire to maintain a positive relationship with the actor and acknowledge his input in enhancing the figure’s accuracy.

the unveiling of Dwayne Johnson’s wax figure at the Grévin Museum in Paris initially led to a significant controversy due to its inaccurate portrayal of the actor’s skin tone. The actor himself, known for his commitment to authenticity and his diverse heritage, took to social media to express his disappointment and the need for improvements.

The museum swiftly responded to the criticism, denying any intentional whitewashing and explaining that the inaccurate skin tone was an honest mistake resulting from reliance on photographs. The museum’s commitment to rectifying the situation was evident as they promptly updated the wax figure to reflect Dwayne Johnson’s true skin tone more accurately. This commitment extended to open communication with the actor, as they planned to share photos of the updated figure with him and celebrate the improvements together.

The entire episode demonstrated the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, even in the realm of wax sculptures. It also highlighted the professionalism and goodwill of Dwayne Johnson and the Grévin Museum, as they worked together to address the controversy with understanding and respect. Ultimately, this incident serves as a valuable reminder of the significance of accurate and respectful representation in the world of art and entertainment.