New York, NY – December 17, 2025 – Social media is buzzing with shocking videos claiming the iconic Statue of Liberty has collapsed. But before you panic: No, the real Statue of Liberty did not fall. The famous landmark in New York Harbor remains standing tall and intact, welcoming visitors as always.
What Really Happened? The Brazil Replica Collapse Explained
The viral footage actually shows a 24-meter (about 79-foot) replica of the Statue of Liberty toppling over in Guaíba, Brazil, on December 15, 2025. This replica stood in the parking lot of a Havan megastore (right next to a McDonald’s) and was brought down by fierce storm winds exceeding 90 km/h (56 mph).
- The structure leaned dramatically before crashing face-first into the lot.
- Debris scattered across the area, but thankfully, no injuries were reported – staff quickly cleared the zone.
- This isn’t the first time: A similar Havan replica fell in 2021 during a cyclone.
The video spread rapidly, sparking confusion and memes about “foreshadowing” or symbolism, especially with the real Statue of Liberty representing freedom and democracy.
Why the Confusion? Misinformation Spreads Fast
Searches for “did the Statue of Liberty fall” skyrocketed as people mistook the Brazilian replica for the original. The real Statue of Liberty – a 305-foot gift from France in 1886 – has withstood hurricanes, earthquakes, and even lightning strikes (about 600 per year!) without collapsing.
The National Park Service confirms: Lady Liberty is in excellent condition, open to visitors, and no damage has occurred in 2025.
The Real Statue of Liberty: Still Standing Strong
Built to endure, the original features a copper skin over an iron framework designed by Gustave Eiffel. It sways slightly in high winds but has never fallen. Recent storms? No problem – it’s as steadfast as ever.
If you’re planning a visit, ferries to Liberty Island are running normally. Don’t let viral hoaxes fool you!
For the latest on Statue of Liberty rumors, Brazil statue collapse, or fact-checks on viral videos, stay tuned. The iconic symbol of freedom? Still shining bright.
