Unveiling the Hollywood Walk of Fame Dilemma
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, political leaders are known for their candid expressions about Donald Trump. From labeling him a “madman” to denouncing him as a “fascist” and a “clear and present danger to the stability of the country,” they have not minced their words when it comes to the former president. However, when it boils down to the seemingly small, symbolic act of erasing Trump’s most visible presence in the City of Angels – his star on the celebrity-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame – their rhetoric is met with reluctance to transform words into concrete action.
A City’s Silent Desire
Behind the scenes, there is a palpable desire within the city’s leadership to see Trump’s star removed, ideally before the next presidential election. This sentiment is echoed by political aides and insiders close to the city government, yet they find themselves strangely inhibited from addressing the issue openly. This reluctance is emblematic of the intricacies and challenges that permeate LA city politics. When they do discuss the topic, it’s often to elucidate their lack of action.
City council member Bob Blumenfield, responding to an activist in March 2022 who had been campaigning for years against the Trump star, conveyed his inclination: “I would vote to remove any city-owned public display of support for Mr. Trump in a heartbeat.” However, he swiftly added, “I have too many other critical issues on which I am currently focused.”
Navigating Political Obstacles
Blumenfield’s stance mirrors that of other elected officials who tend to tread cautiously, tip-toeing around the desires of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has overseen the Hollywood Walk of Fame since its inception over six decades ago, and the bureaucratic complexities involved in star removal have often been cited as an impediment.
The hesitation of LA’s political leaders may perplex many, especially in a city where Trump garnered less than 25% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election. In a pre-political career era, he was often regarded as the subject of humor and gossip, rather than a revered entertainer.
Yet, as one prominent business leader in Hollywood pointed out, “They’re paralyzed about making a decision,” reflecting the prevailing reluctance to take action on this contentious topic.
The Frustration of Activists
For activists like Andrew Rudick, who tirelessly campaign for the removal of Trump’s star, the inaction is baffling. Rudick believed that the star should have been removed as early as 2015 when NBC terminated Trump from “The Apprentice” for his disparaging remarks about Mexicans. However, the star persisted, even after the attempted insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, despite the unanimous passage of an LA city council resolution denouncing Trump’s actions.
The Chamber’s Consistency
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has remained steadfast in its assertion that once a star is dedicated on the Walk of Fame, it is destined to remain there. Despite controversies surrounding stars like Bill Cosby, who faced numerous sexual abuse accusations, the chamber has resisted calls for removal. Their policy remains unchanged, even as repairing damage to the star, inflicted by vandals over the years, incurs substantial costs.
The Myth of Legal Constraints
While the chamber and some city officials have claimed that the Walk of Fame is a “California state landmark” beyond modification, there is no official record listing it as such. The responsibility for decisions regarding removal or modification actually rests with the city of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame holds the designation of a “historic-cultural monument” in LA, but this status provides limited protection against significant alterations to the entire walk, rather than to individual stars.
The Fear of a Slippery Slope
What prevents city officials from taking action appears to be the fear of setting a precedent. Removing one star could open the floodgates to myriad interest groups objecting to other honorees, creating a cascade of controversies. While some in Los Angeles advocate for greater scrutiny of honorees, the chamber’s influence over the local council has historically deterred action.
A Shifting Landscape
However, there are signs of change on the horizon. A new councilmember assumed office in Hollywood in December, leaning significantly to the left. Hugo Soto-Martinez, a former union organizer, boldly states, “Donald Trump is a racist, fascist, and a threat to our democracy.” He expresses his willingness to tackle the matter of Trump’s star.
The question remains: when will action be taken? “Since there’s no known precedent for removing a star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Soto-Martinez explained, “we’re looking into where the authority lies, what the legal issues may be, and what a process for it might look like.”
While change may be on the horizon, activists like Rudick are cautiously optimistic, aware of the complexities and challenges that lie ahead. The debate over Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star continues to reverberate through the streets of Los Angeles, where politics and celebrity intersect in a uniquely American drama.
Image Source: Google
