Michael Clarke Duncan's Family Says Racists Desecrated His Grave
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — "Green Mile" actor Michael Clarke Duncan's grave was desecrated by racists, according to TMZ.com.
Family members told TMZ, that when they went to leave flowers at Duncan's grave in Hollywood, they discovered someone had drawn a crude image of a Little Black Sambo character on his tombstone.
Duncan, the gentle giant in a variety of movies like "Sin City" and 2001's "Planet of the Apes," died in LA in September 2012 at the age of 54.
The family says Forest Lawn removed the offending image after they brought it to their attention.
The LAPD told the family the incident could be considered a hate crime and they are investigating, according to News One.
[Update] LAist reports the smiley face object was left on the grave by local artist Lisa Albanese who leaves the art on celebrity graves, she says, as a sign of respect.
Albanese told LAist, "As soon as this was brought to my attention I reached out to Forest Lawn, because the last thing I want to do is offend anyone. I am more in shock and saddened that some people have been misinterpreting my colorful smiley face. And again, the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, and I am truly sorry to those who I have offended."
