Artwork featuring Christ overlaid with Looney Tunes characters removed by Sydney council after threats of violence

Online protest claimed the work mocked the Christian religion and Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun called for it to be taken down

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A “playful” artwork of Jesus Christ overlaid with Looney Tunes characters has triggered a torrent of online abuse and forced a Sydney council to remove the piece from public display.

Sydney artist Philjames’ work, Jesus Speaks to the Daughters of Jerusalem, was removed from the Blake Art Prize exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre after fierce criticism was directed at the artist and gallery on Friday, just two days before the eight-week exhibition ended.

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