Jenni Rivera’s and Selena Quintanilla’s Hollywood Walk of Fame stars vandalized twice in 24 hours

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I am deeply saddened and disheartened by the repeated vandalism of the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars dedicated to Selena Quintanilla and Jenni Rivera, two Mexican American music icons who left indelible marks on the world with their talent and resilience.

Within a day, the Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Selena Quintanilla and Jenni Rivera were each defaced twice with black paint.

At a June 27th event filled with fans from across the country, posthumous recognition was bestowed upon Rivera, affectionately titled “la Diva de la Banda.” This honor came during a ceremony celebrating her enduring legacy in Latin music. Quintanilla received hers in 2017. Both Mexican-American singers hold global acclaim for their significant contributions to the genre. Regrettably, they both met untimely ends: Quintanilla was taken by murder in 1995 and Rivera perished in a plane crash in 2012.

On Monday morning, the first instance of vandalism occurred at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as reported by Ana Martinez, the vice president of media and talent relations for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. She promptly submitted a police report and dispatched a cleanup team. Throughout the day, videos emerged online showing fans down on their hands and knees, cleaning the Rivera star.

At the star’s dedication event, Marisela Santana, an avid Rivera fan, expressed her expectation that many would come to tidy it up.

“She remarked that even though someone vandalized her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it didn’t dim her radiance. She was pleased that the defacement was swiftly removed by the public.”

“Jenni’s trophy isn’t just hers,” Julie Vasquez explained on Rivera’s behalf, “it belongs to the whole community. Her achievements are a result of her struggles, as Jenni herself would say. Sadly, things that stand out get targeted, and this award is no exception. I hope this is the final time it gets damaged.”

On Tuesday morning, once again, some unknown individual defaced the stars on Vine Street’s Walk of Fame. While conducting her routine inspection, Martinez discovered several stars with fresh coats of black paint.

She’s worked here for 37 years without encountering anything similar. Small disruptions like curious onlookers attempting to uncover hidden stars or vandals defacing blank ones have occurred, but nothing on the scale of this event. After making this discovery, she requested extra cleanup help and submitted a second police report. The chamber is also requesting nearby businesses for their surveillance footage to be handed over to the authorities.

“Jacqie Campos, Rivera’s second eldest child, expressed her sadness in a statement to The Times over the damage to her mother’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic symbol represents her mom’s remarkable legacy and the significant influence she had on countless lives.”

I have experienced the profound impact of losing a beloved figure in the music industry, someone who not only left an indelible mark on our community but also touched countless lives through her music. Losing her was like losing a dear family member. Her memory deserves to be cherished and preserved for generations to come. It is my deepest hope that those responsible for her untimely demise acknowledge the pain they have caused, and come to appreciate the profound significance of the honor bestowed upon her. The restoration of her star was not just a symbolic act but a testament to the power of community and fan support. I am committed to ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire and bring joy to future generations. To all those who have stood by us during this difficult time, expressing their love and unwavering dedication through their actions and words, my family and I extend our heartfelt thanks. Your support means the world to us, and we are eternally grateful for your presence in our lives.

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2024-07-18 20:44