West Hollywood Gym Owner Faces Repeated Vandalism of Red Hulk Statue

Persistent Vandalism of Hulk Statue

• 🎯 A large, red Hulk statue outside the Lab Athletic Club in West Hollywood has been repeatedly vandalized.
• ⏰ The incidents have occurred multiple times in recent months, sometimes even in the middle of the day.
• 💰 The owner, Rocco Distefano, states that each repair costs several thousand dollars.

Cost and Damage Details

• 💥 The statue, which cost approximately $15,000 to create and install, has sustained significant damage, including puncture wounds.
• 🛹 Most recently, an individual was caught on camera hitting the statue with a skateboard.
• 💡 The owner plans to fix the statue's nose and lip, highlighting the ongoing maintenance required.

Impact of Nature and Community Response

• 🌬️ In addition to deliberate vandalism, the statue was once knocked to the ground by a Santa Ana wind event, shattering it into pieces.
• 🎨 A local artist was able to salvage and repair the statue, which the owner affectionately calls "FrankenHulk."
• ⚖️ At least one vandal has been apprehended by police and is facing felony vandalism charges.

Symbol of Strength and Perseverance

• 💪 Despite the setbacks, Distefano intends to keep the Hulk statue as a symbol of strength and perseverance for his gym.
• 🚀 He is planning to install another statue, this time of Hercules, next to the Hulk, demonstrating his unwavering commitment.