Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star vandalized
Man claiming responsibility says he wanted to remove it for sex assault victims
Los Angeles police are investigating the vandalizing of Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Det. Meghan Aguilar says investigators were called to the scene before dawn Wednesday following reports that the u.s. presidential candidate's star was destroyed by blows from a pickaxe.
A man who identified himself as Jamie Otis says he's responsible for the damage. Otis tells 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.
A video posted on Deadline's website appears to show the star being damaged by a man dressed as a city construction worker. A sledgehammer is seen leaning against a sign near the man as he swings a pickaxe, striking the plaque.
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Aguilar says she's aware of the Deadline report but couldn't comment on whether Otis is a suspect.
Repairs underway
The group that oversees the Hollywood Walk of Fame says it's working to quickly repair the damage.
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler says it will take several days for the fixes to be completed.
It's not the first time Trump's monument on the popular tourist boulevard has been the focus of political protest.
In July, a Los Angeles artist built a miniature border wall around the sidewalk plaque in a display of mockery. The 15-centimetre-tall structure was complete with barbed wire, "Keep out" signs, and American flags.
Trump's star was first dedicated in 2007 in recognition of his work on NBC's reality TV show The Apprentice.
With files from CBC News