With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
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

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.

Barron "Cyber" Trump, Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the dedication ceremony in January 2007 (Getty Images)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings.
-
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past.
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.