A sculpture of a lolly wrapped in the Saudi flag is set to be moved from the World Trade Centre complex after calls for its removal were posted on Twitter.
The artwork is part of a series of 20 sculptures called Candy Nations created by contemporary artist Laurence Jenkell. The artwork features a flag from all of the G20 nations - including Australia.
After images of the Saudi Arabia sculpture were posted on Twitter, some people took issue with its location at the site of the September 11 terror attack. Many people hold Saudi Arabi responsible for the attack, despite the Saudi government long denying any involvement.
All of the 20 statues will reportedly be removed from the World Trade Centre Complex.
"We have been in contact with the 9/11 Memorial and various stakeholders, and in full collaboration with the artist will relocate the exhibit from its current location," a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey spokesperson told BBC News.
"We believe this solution respects the unique sensitivities of the site and preserves the artistic integrity of the exhibit."
The flag sculptures were installed in December and meant to remain at the World Trade Centre until February 28.
On Twitter, people labelled the sculpture "disgraceful" and "mental", with calls to have it destroyed.
Ms Jenkell told SBS News that she was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the outrage.
"I support families who have lost a loved one and I associate with their grief and pain," she said.
"Together with World Trade Center and Port Authority we have decided to relocate the Candy Nations Exhibit with G20 Candy Flags to JFK International Airport in a fashion that will support its intended purpose and meaning, Peace Unity and Love between mankind."
On December 19 last year, the World Trade Centre encouraged visitors to "find the flags" and share photos of them via social media.
The series was originally commissioned by the G20 ahead of their 2011 summit in Cannes.
