I have some sympathy for an artist whose work is perhaps interpreted not in the way they would like (although I don't understand the copyright claims), but it is a public art piece. It's meaning is affected by where it is placed. The artist describes his piece as representing "freedom in the world, peace, strength, power and love." I haven't seen the piece in person, but knowing it's placement, and having seen many pictures of it, my interpretations never included freedom, peace, or love. Strength and (reckless, frightening) power, yes, but not those other things. I find it fascinating that was his intent.

Anyway, no need to beat up on him, but it's too bad he chose to fight this challenge to his work. If he really feels the way he does about his piece, perhaps he could come up with a way to participate with this sudden attention, and recast his work the way he intended, instead of nursing a grievance.