Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger
December 17, 2025, 3:03 p.mDecember 17, 2025, 3:03 p.m
The Statue of Liberty has fallen. Well, actually just a 40 meter high replica in the south of Brazil. On December 15, the city of Guaíba was hit by a severe storm with strong winds. They tore “Lady Liberty 2.0” from its pedestal. The moment was captured on video from multiple perspectives:
Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger
The statue is used as a symbol by the Brazilian retailer “Havan” and was located in the parking lot of a large branch. Similar statues can be found in front of many of the chain’s other locations across the country. There are said to be over 170 – making Brazil the country with the most Statues of Liberty.
The idea dates back to the 1990s and is intended to symbolize the “freedom of purchasing decisions”. Some of the shops themselves are also inspired by the USA – their facade often resembles that of the White House.
Another Havan branch in Bauru, Brazil.Image: www.imago-images.de
Before the statue of Guaíba collapsed, it initially swayed, eyewitnesses report. Various people then tried to get their cars to safety. Her head smashed into the ground upon impact. No people were injured.
Social media users see parallels to the USA
The videos spread rapidly on the Internet and social media and were shared and commented on by countless people.
Some of them saw deeper symbolism in the fall of the statue. “What a great analogy for America,” wrote Brian Krassenstein on Platform X.
The Statue of Liberty in front of the New York skyline.Image: www.imago-images.de
The real Statue of Liberty has stood in New York City Harbor since 1886. It was a gift from France, depicts the Roman goddess Libertas and is said to be a symbol of American values such as freedom, democracy and hope. (lzo)
More videos of spectacular collapses:
World record attempt: Beer mat house in Cologne collapses shortly before the finish
Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger
Like in an action film: here a truck hangs over the abyss
Video: Watson/Michael Shepherd
Freeway bridge in Philadelphia collapses – shortly before cars drive over it
Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger