Shoe Monument Honoring Shoe-Tossing Journalist Muntazer Al-Zaidi Steps Up In Tikrit

Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit has unveiled a controversial new stature honoring Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former President Bush during a press conference.

The monument is a giant shoe, which makes us wonder for what, exactly, Tikrit is trying to compensate. Hmmmmm.

The sculpture, made of fiberglass and copper, is the work of Baghdad-based artist Laith al-Amari, who also included a poem honoring al-Zaidi. 

The journalist, meanwhile, has been charged with assaulting a foreign leader, although his lawyer is attempting to get the charges against his client reduced. 

Al-Zaidi’s outburst has not only worked to inspire artists, it’s had an impact on the fashion world as well. A Turkish shoemaker claimed sales have increased dramatically ever since a news report came out claiming al-Zaidi’s famous loafers were made by his company. 

And now, dear readers, is where you step in with your best shoe and foot puns. Go for it!

Saddam’s hometown unveils statue dedicated to man who threw shoe at President Bus [NY Daily News]