The star honoring Jamaican reggae icon and activist Bob Marley on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame was vandalized. The damage was discovered on Monday, October 23, 2017, according to Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and spokesperson for the Walk of Fame. The star was “pounded on with what appears to be a sledgehammer or something heavy like that, totally destroying it,” Martinez said. She also stated that the star will be repaired on Wednesday, October 25. Damage to Marley’s star is considered to be vandalism of a state historic landmark, and its repairs are the responsibility of the Hollywood Historic Trust. The cost of the repairs is estimated at almost $3,000. Marley, who died in 1981, was awarded the star posthumously in 2001. It is located at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard. A photo of the damaged star was sent out on Twitter by Martinez with the message, “Why would anyone do this to Bob Marley’s star? Help me understand. The Walk of Fame is a State registered Historic landmark! Disrespectful.”
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME (www.WalkOfFame.com)
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to add stars to the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. The Walk of Fame is open to the public. No paid admission or assigned seating at star ceremonies. It is understood that the cost of installing a star on the Walk of Fame upon approval is $30,000 and the sponsor of the nominee accepts the responsibility for arranging for payment to the Hollywood Historic Trust, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation. The funds are used to pay for the creation/installation of the star and ceremony, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Ana Martinez
