The Red Hulk statue outside of a gym on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip has been the target of repeated vandalism in recent months. The life-sized Marvel Comic statue has been damaged multiple times since it was installed less than a year ago. Most recently, an unhinged skateboarder was filmed repeatedly bashing the statue in the face, causing damage to its nose and mouth in what appeared to be a social media stunt.
The owner of The Lab Athletic Club in West Hollywood, Rocco Carlo Distefano, reported that the statue has been a victim of various acts of vandalism. Just last month, strong Santa Ana winds toppled the statue, breaking it into several pieces. Despite being professionally restored and reinstalled, the statue suffered another blow when its arm was ripped off just days before scheduled resurfacing. Over the summer, the Red Hulk statue also sustained puncture wounds to the chest and was headbutted by an individual in separate incidents.
The repair costs from these incidents have now exceeded $15,000, including work done by a professional prop fabricator who works in film and television. Despite the ongoing damage, Distefano remains committed to displaying the statue and is even considering adding a second one, a Hercules figure, to the collection. He is also exploring additional protective measures such as barriers to prevent further vandalism.
Distefano expressed his determination to continue showcasing the statue, stating, “You can knock it down, but we’re going to put it back together.” The Red Hulk statue has become a symbol of resilience in the face of senseless acts of destruction, and efforts are being made to ensure its preservation for years to come.
