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On Thursday night, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro underwent restoration. A projection was used to honor megastar Taylor Swift at the beginning of her Eras Tour stop in Brazil.
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In the "You Belong With Me" music video, Taylor Swift's "Junior Jewels" shirt served as the model for Christ the Redeemer's "Welcome to Brasil" shirt.
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According to a press release, Omar Raposo, the rector of the sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer, was asked by fans to project a T-shirt on the statue upon Swift's arrival in Brazil, and this led to Brazil's decision to honor her.
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Raposo would only agree, per the press release, if Swift supporters gave "more than 20,000 units of panettone and mineral water by 9pm this Thursday, November 16, to help people in situations of vulnerability and social exclusion."
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"The initiative is from the Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary and aims to raise awareness and mobilize society against poverty and social exclusion, in commemoration of the World Day of the Poor, established by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, which will be celebrated on November 19th," according to the press release.
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As per their statement, The Sanctuary will "bear all the costs of the projection and will continue with its mission of welcoming everyone with open arms."
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A video showcasing the updated appearance was posted on the Christ the Redeemer statue's official Instagram account.
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USA Today reports that the projection was made by Gabriel Dadam, and the original photoshopped image was made by 21-year-old publicist Leonardo Ulths De Carvalho. One of Swift's fan clubs has Dadam as its art director.
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Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday that Swift would receive the honor.
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