Michael Clarke Duncan’s Grave Vandalized, Local Artist Claims Responsibility

Michael Clarke Duncan’s grave was recently vandalized, and a local artist has taken responsibility.

A relative of the late actor discovered the offensive graffiti during a recent visit to the Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills. The family member believes the cartoon face drawn on Duncan’s grave is of a racist character named Sambo.

According to TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department was treating the incident as a hate crime. An investigation was launch to find the person responsible for defacing Michael Clarke Duncan’s grave.

Authorities may not have to look too hard. A local artist named Lisa Albanese has claimed responsibility for the graffiti. The woman said she draws the faces on celebrity graves as a sign of respect.

To clarify her intent, Albanese reached out to travel writer Jason Cochran. Although many believe her work was racially charged, she claims the art wasn’t designed to offend anyone. Several of her smiley faces have been shared on Facebook.

She explained:

“It’s been brought to my attention that you have been curious to who has been leaving the rock smileys on the celebrity graves. That would be me! I also leave them on other graves that catch my attention, next to street art, and anything else that catches my attention in the Los Angeles Area. It all started with my friend Tamra finding a little rock with a face on it, and how it made her smile. Then a few of us thought we’d leave some rock smileys around for others to find, sort of like a pay it forward type of thing.”

Albanese also defended her artwork to the folks at The LAist. The artist stressed once again that the last thing she wanted to do was upset anyone with her grafffit. According to Albanese, the graffiti was meant to honor Michael Clarke Duncan.

“I am more in shock and saddened that some people have been misinterpreting my colorful smiley face painted on a little rock. And again, the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, and I am truly sorry to those who I have offended,” she told the website.

What do you think about the artist who vandalized Michael Clarke Duncan’s grave? Do you think she meant any harm with the graffiti?

[Image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com]