Lawsuit asks for West Virginia State Capitol mural with likeness of Babydog to be removed

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A lawsuit filed on Friday is asking that a mural containing a likeness of U.S. Senate candidate and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s (R) pet bulldog, Babydog, be removed.

The lawsuit was filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court by Gregory Morris and artist Tom Acosta.

They said the Capitol Building Commission and other officials didn’t follow state law regarding open meetings and the bidding process for state projects, according to court documents.

Gov. Justice has previously denied any knowledge of the project and that no one consulted with him about putting Babydog in the mural. He first found out about it the day the murals were unveiled.

The governor said back in July, “Give me a break, I mean for God’s sake of living. You know I think we ought to just… You know if all we’re going to do here is just throw rocks at one another, and everything, so be it.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.