Philip Seymour Hoffman's death inspires 'controversial' Oscar 'Heroin Statue'

A controversial street art statue depicting Philip Seymour Hoffman shooting heroin into his arm has stirred up some controversy as Hollywood stars prepared to walk down the red carpet at tinsel town's biggest event.

The 8-foot statue, inspired by Hoffman's tragic overdose last month, was installed on LA's Hollywood Boulevard on Friday, not far from where the 86th annual Academy Awards are being held, ABC News reported.

Artist Plastic Jesus said in a statement that hard drugs are still seen as a taboo subject, with people using in the privacy of their own home or hotel room and afraid of the consequences if the world finds out about their addiction.

He said that his piece is intended to say that let's be aware of the issue, remove the stigma and enable people to get help and support.

The inscription on the bottom of the statue says "Hollywood's best kept secret."