MGM's Billboards Causing Controversy

A pair of golden eyes glowering at motorists from a billboard on the Lodge Freeway were supposed to draw attention to the MGM Grand Casino -- but one local pastor sees only Satan, and a creeped-out councilwoman wants the sign removed.

The billboard, near the Detroit casino off the Lodge, depicts a huge pair of eyes on a black background, with a small golden silhouette of MGM's signature lion on the sign's upper right-hand side.

Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi said Friday she was shocked by the billboard, calling it "sinister." She said she complained to MGM and asked it be taken down. The Rev. James A. Smith, pastor of Maranatha Gospel Church in Romulus, is taking her one step further, planning to mount a campaign to pressure the casino to do so.

"I was shocked when I saw it," Smith said. "It looks like a demon glaring at you; nobody with kids in their car should be forced to look at that. No Christian should."

For the complete story, please see George Hunter and Christine MacDonald, MGM's 'golden eyes' billboards called sinister, The Detroit News, February 28, 2009.