Vandals destroy Donald Trump's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been targeted by vandals, who smashed it so badly that chunks of the star are missing from the sidewalk.
Los Angeles police received a report on Tuesday that someone was threatening to vandalize the star. When officers went to check it out, the damage had been done. A sledgehammer, construction hat and vest, and a pick were recovered nearby, Officer Sal Ramirez said.
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The words have been scratched off, and the brass medallion is gone.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which bestows the stars and maintains the popular tourist attraction, said it would quickly repair Trump's spot, but it would take several days before it would visible.
Police set up a tent to cover the star and placed traffic markers around it. Officers are doing extra patrols in Hollywood as a result.
A man who identified himself as Jamie Otis said he's responsible for the damage, telling the website Deadline Hollywood that he originally intended to remove Trump's star. He says he wanted to auction it off to raise funds for the 11 women accusing the presidential candidate of groping them. Trump has denied the groping allegations.
Aguilar said she was aware of the Deadline report but couldn't comment on whether Otis is a suspect.
Trump's star was dedicated in 2007 in recognition of his work on NBC's reality TV show "The Apprentice." Trump's star is near the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held each year.
To receive a star on the Walk of Fame, a celebrity has to be nominated and a $30,000 fee paid to a charitable trust.
"When people are unhappy with one of our honorees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalize a California State landmark," Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leon Gubler wrote in a statement. "Our democracy is based on respect for the law. People can make a difference by voting and not destroying public property."
Trump's star is located on Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue, right across the street from the El Capitan Theatre.
His star has been targeted by vandals in the past. It has also been used by a street artist, who built a tiny wall around the star back in July.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
