Under public pressure, the city announced the "Fearless Girl" statue in Lower Manhattan is here to stay, at least for another year. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.
For days, Mayor Bill de Blasio had expressed uncertainty about extending the life of the Fearless Girl statue.
Erected for International Women’s Day, it was supposed to be removed after a week, then got an extension to April 2. Now, it'll remain in place until next March, per the mayor, who hinted Monday he sees it as a symbol of standing up to the White House.
"She is inspiring everyone in a moment when we need inspiration," de Blasio said.
In place just three weeks, the girl, who stands opposite the Charging Bull statue, has become a potent symbol of women's empowerment and a bonafide tourist attraction.
"Women have made such great progress, and it's important to me that we get to have that moment where we can actually physically see it. And the statue kind of embodies that," said one fan of the statue.
"It just shows that women can do anything, and they’re just as powerful as men," said another.
Not everyone is a fan.
"I think it's a gimmick that State Street is doing," said one New Yorker.
State Street is the investment firm that commissioned the artwork, leading to some criticism. The Charging Bull sculptor also wants Fearless Girl removed.
Some wonder if it’s an attack on the entire finance industry.
"I would still like to know, and someone should explain to me, what is the significance it has to do with Wall Street. Is there a small statue of a boy that someplace that should be here too?" said one New Yorker.
Artist Kristen Visbal and State Street say the sculpture speaks to the need for gender equity, especially in corporate boardrooms.
"She is speaking to the future," Visbal said.
They've won support from numerous female elected officials, who cheered de Blasio's decision Monday but want him to go further.
"The importance of empowering women is not temporary, and is not something that can last for 11 months. It's something that needs to be made permanent," said Public Advocate Letitia James.