This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star Has Been Destroyed
In better times (Getty Images)
Update: We dropped by the destroyed star.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame star that Donald Trump received in 2007 has been severely damaged. The man responsible, James Otis, dressed as a city construction worker and tried to dislodge the star with a sledgehammer and pickaxe around 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Deadline. The outlet spoke to Otis who said his original intentions were not to destroy it, rather this was an extremely poor attempt to REMOVE the star to raise money through an auction for women who have come forward with their stories of Trump sexually assaulted them.
That's because Trump, who has denied the allegations, has threatened to sue the women (the same way his campaign has threatened to sue publications that print damning allegations).
The video (which you can watch here) doesn't seem to show any attempt to delicately dislodge the star. It is pretty cathartic to watch, however.
EXCLU: @realDonaldTrump #WalkOfFame star destroyed by vandal Read here: https://t.co/NqGnncyrPi pic.twitter.com/ReFkXZDIJc
— Dominic Patten (@DeadlineDominic) October 26, 2016
Deadline also noted the area was empty at the early hour, "There was no LAPD presence in the usually well patrolled tourist spot."
Stars are "awarded" after some lobbying and a $30,000 application fee. Earlier this year, Trump's star was defaced and even had a wall built around it.
Sponsored message
Barron "Cyber" Trump, Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the dedication ceremony in January 2007 (Getty Images)
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
