CLIFTON

Sexy Easter mannequin display earns Clifton dentist 'Hugh Hefner' nickname

Matt Fagan
NorthJersey

UPDATE:The display has been taken down by a woman using garden shears

Mannequins dressed in fishnet stockings, sexy lingerie and colorful wigs with bunny ears holding Easter baskets on the front lawn of a Clifton dentist's office are getting mixed reviews from neighbors and passers-by.

The five mannequins, which neighbors said first appeared on the grass lawn in front of Wayne Gangi's Grove Street dental office as part of a Valentine's Day display, soon returned dressed in green for St. Patrick's Day. With a wardrobe change and the addition of the pastel-colored wigs and bunny ears, the mannequins have returned to celebrate Easter.

Posed in standing positions with the help of metal stands and black rods held down with bricks, the mannequins have earned the dentist the nickname "Hugh Hefner" — the founder of Playboy, who often was photographed with Playboy Bunnies. 

The home at the corner of Robin Hood Rd. and Grove St. in Clifton is turning heads again, this time with Playboy Bunny mannequins to celebrate Easter. Monday, April, 8, 2019

Four of the white mannequins have bunny ears set atop bright blue, green, red and yellow wigs, while one has Mickey Mouse-type ears on top of a bright purple wig. Clad in black or pink fur-trimmed outfits and fishnet stockings, each mannequin is posed with an outstretched arm holding an Easter basket filled with colorful eggs. They are surrounded by more Easter eggs and one black spider in a web.

NOT HAP:Woman, unhappy with sexy Easter mannequins, takes down display with garden shears

Hundreds of comments, ranging from anger to humor to disgust, were posted in reaction to a photo of the display on a Facebook Clifton community page. 

"Proves he has ZERO respect for women and the young girls of our town," one woman posted. "Would anybody buy a house next door to this?" wrote another. Several posted that the display was funny. "It's meant to b a joke wat a bunch of cry babies they have clothes on there not naked smh [sic]."

The story continues below the video.

Several asked about the black spider, while many asked about the location so they could drive by.

Gangi's office, at the corner of Robin Hood Road, is no stranger to holiday decoration controversy. In the past, his elaborate Halloween and Christmas decorations have drawn criticism as well as lots of visitors and praise.

In 2012, the dentist's display of bloody corpses, skeletons and furry spiders that covered his building and property at 562 Grove St. attracted lots of visitors as well as a parking-ticket blitz, because Clifton police cracked down on what they called traffic hazards. Gangi was not happy and threatened to put an end to the decorations. He has not. 

Gangi did not wish to comment, according to an office employee who would not give her name. She said the display was put up "in fun."

Clifton resident Gina Scaduto-Zhitnick called the display "gross."

"I'm glad I don't live there," she said.

Councilman William Gibson, when asked if he has received complaints from residents, said: "Oh, yes!"

Story continues below gallery

Gangi, Gibson said, "definitely knows he's walking the edge" and added that the display is "in poor taste." The councilman said the Halloween displays have also been "over the top" and asked why a professional dentist would create such a display. He said if he had young children he would not take them to him to witness the displays. His wife, Robin Gibson, agreed but said not all reactions have been negative.

"Some people are finding it very inappropriate; others are finding it hilarious," she said.

Councilwoman Lauren Murphy said she has not heard any complaints.

"Lots of people are saying everyone should mind their own business and if they don't like it should drive a different way," Murphy said. 

Councilman Peter Eagler said responses he's heard have been split concerning the taste of the display, but added that it seems well within Gangi's First Amendment right. 

"He has a display at Halloween. Why should this be different?" Eagler said. 

Mayor James Anzaldi has received several complaints, and the Police Department got one that was called in anonymously. 

Email: fagan@northjersey.com

More New Jersey news

Police:Clifton police officers give chief vote of no confidence, want him removed

Investigation:NJ schools authority faces investigation from attorney general, sources say

Travel:E-ZPass holders in NJ and NY pay more in other states because each makes its own discounts