Chris Brown's Monster Art 'Frightening' Children, Say Neighbors; Singer Fined
Chris Brown's house in Hollywood Hills, Calif. has several brightly-colored, toothy grinning monsters painted on one side, but neighbors say they are an eyesore and want them removed. The Grammy-winning musician has not himself responded to neighbors and a city order to take the art down, however.
Chris Brown's curbside art- the pink, brown, white and red goblins- are huge, extending from the curb to nearly the top of the high walls. Neighbors complained that in addition to ruining the vibe of the area, young children were scared of the mural.
"There are lots of babies, lots of children, and they're literally frightened," Patti Negri, president of the Hollywood Dell Civic Association, told The Los Angeles Times. "It's like devils on the wall- big scary eyes and big scary teeth, and just the whole vibe is not what we're used to."
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The complaints from residents reached City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who said that the artwork was certainly startling.
"They jump right out at you … It is all the way up the side of the house," he said.
LaBonge said city inspectors had investigated the complaints and told Brown to take the artwork down within 30 days "in compliance with city codes," which prohibit murals on private residences and properties. The "Fine China" singer was also fined $376.32 for the monster graffiti.
"In this case the community has spoken … I certainly hope Mr. Brown complies and takes them down," LaBonge added.
The mural hasn't come down yet, and Brown's attorney, Mark Gergaros, said that the neighborhood is trying to impede his client's right to express himself.
"They are trying to suspend the First Amendment," Gergaros told the Associated Press.
Negri realizes that the $300 fine will not motivate Brown, a millionaire, to take down the mural. Instead, the chance to cultivate a better reputation and rapport with his neighborhood could be a reason to act.
"Hopefully and maybe, he'll just see the light and decide to be a good neighbor," she said. "We're happy to have him- it he just tones it down."
