UPDATE: A representative of M.I.A. has placed the blame squarely on the label (it’s not like we thought she took iKid up to the roof and hung it herself). The offending banner has allegedly been removed.
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Earlier this year, Roger Waters took some heat for an album promotion that temporarily covered up the infamous Elliott Smith memorial wall in Silver Lake. Now it seems a similar “aw no she didn’t” faux pas has befallen M.I.A., whose latest album is being promoted by a supergraphic banner hung (apparently without permission) over a Silver Lake mural commissioned by the Sunset Junction Community Alliance. The mural—called La Nuestra Reina de Las Iguanas has been a fixture at the Sunset junction intersection for 15 years. The mural depicts a Zapotec woman and is meant to “empower the young people in the neighborhood and to beautify the neighborhood,” according to alliance director Michael McKinley.
The mural pre-M.I.A.
This is of course extra embarrassing for M.I.A., who has repeatedly declared her affinity for outsider politics while being accused of contradictions within her own wealthy lifestyle. The conflict was originally framed this spring in an article by Lynn Hirschberg, now referred to as Truffle-gate. No comment as of yet from M.I.A.’s camp, although we’re certain there will be apologies and excuses in the future. ( A request has been sent for a comment).
Eric Garcetti, City Councilman for the Silver Lake has asked the Building and Safety Dept to open an investigation into the situation, and issues the following statement:
“Illegal billboards and supergraphics can destroy a neighborhood’s cityscape, not only for local residents but for thousands of visitors and drivers every day. We have contacted the Department of Building and Safety, which has opened an investigation. City officials will conduct an in-person inspection of the supergraphic today.”
Thanks to The Eastsider LA for all the reporting.
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