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.
Rihanna <3's The LAPD, Gives Their Charity $25,000
The cell phone Rihanna dropped and broke while attempting to snap a selfie with L.A. Police Commission President Steve Soberoff at a Clippers game last week is now being auctioned off on eBay.The iPhone 5 not only comes with a shattered screen, but is autographed by Rihanna herself: "Sorry! I <3 LAPD. Rihanna." Also included are some LAPD wristbands like those seen in the selfie and the charger cable. The phone is still operational, but has been reset and wiped clean. Which is a bummer, really.
Soberoff is hoping that he can raise money for the LAPD's Cadet Program with the phone. The current bid is $1225 with a little under two whole days are left. However, the singer also donated $25,000 to The Cadet Program.
What exactly does The Cadet Program do? Well, being an LAPD Cadet is "a lot of fun," according to their website. If you're an underserved teen, you can sign up and have cops teach you about ethics and life skills.
In order to be eligible, you need to be between the ages of 13 and 20, have no serious arrests or convictions, be doing well in school and maintain a 'good moral character,'; among other items. Rihanna herself probably wouldn't have made a good cadet considering her Instagram account, before it disappeared, identified her as a 'bad gal.'
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
