Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has asked fans of the “Joker” movie to stay away from the iconic Bronx staircase prominently displayed in the film, TMZ reported on Wednesday.
Numerous Instagram posts have been showing up with fans doing their own version of Arthur Fleck’s dance down the steps to celebrate his transformation into the Joker. The site has turned into a tourist attraction that has become more crowded than usual, with many visitors posing for photos.
“I think the way a lot of us feel is, listen, like, keep your Instagram posts outside of the Boogie Down,” said Ocasio-Cortez in reference to her native borough, adding that “We gotta own it, we can’t let anyone take it away from us.”
The congresswoman’s remarks are similar to complaints from local residents who are not happy with the influx of movie fans in their neighbourhood, according to the Independent.
Ocasio-Cortez told TMZ that “When I was growing up, everyone would tell us to stay away from those steps or go with a friend,” adding that “The Bronx is much safer now.”
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