Downtown L.A. Gym Owner Fighting To Keep Kobe And Gianna Bryant Mural

Cecilia Moran is ready to fight a good fight and she has many people backing her up. The Los Angeles fitness center owner is asking for help to fight her landlord's demand to remove a beloved mural from the gym's wall.

The mural, painted by artist Louie Palsino, honors the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Kobe's wife Vanessa recently stepped in to help gain attention to get more people involved to help Moran keep the mural.

The larger-than-life mural is on an exterior wall of Hardcore Fitness, located at 400 W. Pico Blvd in downtown L.A., just blocks from the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers. Many Lakers and Kobe fans visit the beloved mural while in the area. Moran took to social media a few days ago to reveal the demand to have the mural removed.

"With profound sadness, I must share that today, I received notice from my landlord that I must remove the Kobe and LA mural from our walls by September 30," Moran shared on Instagram. "This mural holds immense significance, not just for the city of LA and Lakers fans, but more importantly, as a tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi."

Moran continued to explain that she's "overwhelmed with sorrow" and that she "strongly" opposes the mural to be removed.

The mural's artist also took to Instagram to gain attention to the upsetting demand to have the mural removed.

Many supporters left comments on Palsino's Instagram post.

"That’s outrageous. If a petition can be created internationally that would be great, so that supporters based outside the USA can sign it. You have my support," one fan wrote. Another added, "I love stopping by anytime I’m in DTLA. Praying it isn’t removed. 🙏🏽"

A petition was started on Change.org by Kobe Bryant Mural Locations with a goal of 75,000 signatures. As of Sunday, they already have more than 62,000.

"We are saddened by the recent decision to remove a beloved mural honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant in Downtown Los Angeles. We believe that this mural serves as a powerful symbol of inspiration, unity, and resilience for our city," the description on the petition page reads. "Therefore, we urge the landlord owner to reconsider their decision and keep this meaningful tribute intact."

The description continued to explain the significance of preserving the popular mural, citing cultural significance, community healing, and inspiration for youth.

"We ask those responsible for the decision to reconsider and preserve the Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural. By doing so, we can honor their legacy, provide solace to a grieving community, inspire future generations, and maintain an important cultural landmark in Los Angeles," the description concludes.

Vanessa also shared information about the mural in an Instagram Story, asking for people to sign the petition.

While talking to the Los Angeles Times, Moran explained that once the mural is removed, the space will be utilized for advertising.

"It’s a piece of art that is honoring an iconic person," Moran told the Times. "That mural also benefits advertising and has a lot of meaning to the city and to Kobe fans. So I said I don't agree. I don't want to make the fans mad and I don't want to be disrespectful and I don't think that mural should be removed."

The mural was painted more than three years ago. Palsino feels keeping the mural is good for the landlord and shouldn't be removed.

"You gotta put some sense into it, man, and think about it and what it really means to L.A.," Palsino told The Times. "Even if the landlord wants to make money, that’s a landmark people come from all around the world to visit so it’s good for him, his property, every party in this. I don’t see much sense in taking it down for advertisement."

If you'd like to sign the petition to help the mural stay where it is, visit Change.org.