Public sculptures often provoke conversation, yet a recent Australian incident took an unusual twist. A viral stunt with googly eyes made the artwork famous online—and brought legal consequences.
A 20-year-old woman confessed to placing plastic googly eyes on the sculpture while intoxicated. Footage of the act circulated widely, drawing reactions from the artist and city officials.
Amelia Vanderhorst appeared at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 24, pleading guilty to a graffiti offense tied to the incident. Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the BBC confirmed the charge involved vandalizing the sculpture by attaching the googly eyes.
The artwork, titled “Cast in Blue”, is often called the “Blue Blob” by locals.
Vanderhorst first attracted attention in September 2025 when she posted a video of herself placing the eyes on the statue. The clip spread quickly online, sparking debates over humor, public art, and vandalism.
Court Orders Fine and Community Service
Magistrate Kylie Schulz handed down the sentence after Vanderhorst admitted guilt. The ruling included:
A fine of around $1,400
60 hours of community service
Although Vanderhorst expressed remorse, the court emphasized the seriousness of damaging public property.
Schulz noted the act mocked both the sculpture and its creator.
Vanderhorst’s lawyer, Michael Hill, told the court it was meant as a joke, intended to make the sculpture “look funny.” He added that his client deeply regretted the stunt, describing it as “one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.”
Court statements revealed Vanderhorst had been heavily intoxicated, having consumed over half a bottle of vodka and taken MDMA.
Since the charges, Vanderhorst has made significant changes, reducing substance use and focusing on personal stability. Hill told the BBC she is “committed to making better decisions moving forward.”
Additional court details noted she began a new relationship in January and has stayed clean from MDMA.
The Controversial Sculpture“Cast in Blue”
“Cast in Blue” has been debated since its installation.
Unveiled by Mount Gambier City Council in July 2025, the $95,000 artwork sparked some criticism over cost. Key facts:
Installation date: July 2025
Cost: $95,000
Location: Mount Gambier, South Australia
Locals often call it the “Blue Blob,” a nickname that gained wider attention online after the viral video.
The removal of the googly eyes caused damage to the sculpture’s surface.
Police reports cited by ABC indicated that repairs cost around $2,090. City officials confirmed that restoration work was required after the adhesive used for the eyes affected the statue.
The sculpture has reportedly experienced other incidents of damage as well, adding to ongoing debates about the artwork and its public reception.
Fundraising Attempt for Legal Costs
Before the final court ruling, Vanderhorst sought financial help to cover legal expenses.
During an earlier appearance in November, Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos suggested she seek assistance with the costs of legal representation. Soon after, Vanderhorst launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Through the fundraiser, she collected roughly $1,900 before the page was later removed.
In the campaign description, Vanderhorst wrote:
“I am the one who put the eyes on the blue blob and am getting charged for it when people do not think it’s fair.”
She also explained her financial situation in the post:
“I do not have the funds for a lawyer, as I am only young and jobless. I did not mean for the eyes on the blue blob to harm or offend anything or anyone at all so please help me.”
Despite the fundraiser, Hill told the court that Vanderhorst returned the money to donors in December.
The incident involving the “Cast in Blue” sculpture shows how a brief online stunt can lead to serious consequences. What began as an attempt to make a statue “look funny” resulted in criminal charges, repair costs, and a court-ordered sentence.
Amelia Vanderhorst’s guilty plea closed the legal chapter of the case, yet the event continues to spark conversation about public art, accountability, and how viral moments can quickly turn into legal matters.
