Freddie Mercury Gorilla Violates Copyrights

A pop-art gorilla statue honoring Freddie Mercury came out at the losing end of a lawsuit.

The estate of the late Queen frontman has prevailed in the British courts -- forcing the statue's temporary removal so its outfit can be repainted. It's one of more than 50 sculptures in a Norwich, England outdoor display. But the hulking "Radio Go Go" piece created by Mik Richardson had a shirt with a logo too closely resembling the band's copyrighted design.

The BBC spoke to Richardson, who was paid $1200 to design and paint the gorilla. He calls the court order "absolutely shocking... It's dreadful. It's petty, really. The night I was told I couldn't sleep." The Mercury estate refused any comment.

The hulking faux gorilla should be back on the street within 10 days.