Zuckerberg Admits Wife Unhappy with 7-Foot Statue of Herself on Their Lawn

Mark Zuckerberg, the 40-year-old CEO of Meta, revealed in a recent episode of Theo Von’s "This Past Weekend" podcast that his wife, Priscilla Chan, was not a fan of the large sculpture he commissioned in her likeness. The statue, which was unveiled in August, stood seven feet tall and was made of silver and turquoise. While the internet erupted with reactions, ranging from amused to critical, Chan's response was more measured. According to Zuckerberg, she found the statue "weird" and was uncomfortable with its presence on their front lawn. Zuckerberg explained that the statue was meant as a grand gesture, reflecting his tendency to think inventively when it comes to gifts. The couple isn’t particularly fond of lavish outings, so Zuckerberg often turns to more unique ideas. Despite Chan’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction, she appreciated the effort and creativity behind the artwork. Zuckerberg admitted that he, too, questioned the appropriateness of placing a sculpture of someone on their front lawn, acknowledging the unconventional nature of the gift. The motivation behind the statue was twofold. Firstly, Zuckerberg, a fan of artist Daniel Arsham, reached out to him for the project. He chose Chan as the muse, partly because he found it "cool" and partly because creating a statue of himself would seem overly self-indulgent. Zuckerberg remarked that Chan "is kind of the target of my creative energy," highlighting her significance in his personal and professional life. In October, Zuckerberg attempted to make amends by surprising Chan with a customized Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. This "side quest," as he termed it, arose because Chan expressed a desire for a minivan. Zuckerberg collaborated with designer Mansory to create a blacked-out, matte version of the vehicle, adding personalized touches for both Chan and their three daughters. Although he enjoys designing cars, he stated that he didn’t want to create a "super car" for himself, emphasizing his efforts to focus on his family and their needs. The initial post about the sculpture generated a wave of speculation and memes, with many assuming Zuckerberg was trying to apologize for something serious. However, he clarified that the sculpture itself was the misstep. He mused, "You’re going to have to wait and see what I have to do to make up for having made a sculpture and putting it in our front lawn." Industry insiders have varied responses to the incident. Some praised Zuckerberg’s willingness to admit his mistakes publicly, seeing it as a sign of humility and vulnerability in the often sterile world of tech leadership. Others, however, criticized the choice as indulgent and out of touch with common sentiments, suggesting that even billionaires should be more considerate of their partners’ preferences. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been under scrutiny for various high-profile issues, including data privacy concerns and the impact of social media on mental health. Despite these challenges, Zuckerberg’s personal anecdotes offer a glimpse into the lighter side of his life and his attempts to balance public fame with personal relationships. The episode of the podcast provides a humanizing perspective on one of the world's wealthiest individuals, showcasing his creative impulses and familial dynamics.