John Lennon's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was vandalized over the weekend. Clean-up efforts were rushed to remove the graffiti before the star's birthday.
According to AFP, the star, located at 1750 Vine Street, is covered with a smiley face, scribbles and several other messages.
The graffiti artist was not caught, but the manager of office services at the Capitol Records building said, "Somebody came over the weekend - we think it was probably late Sunday - and graffitied the star.”
Capitol Records immediately began the clean-up process, since Beatles fans are scheduled to gather around the star in an annual candle-lit vigil Wednesday in remembrance of Lennon for his 73rd birthday.
Monday morning, Universal Music Group's senior director of administration Jim Kuha said, "Though it is the Chamber's responsibility, we were out there first thing this morning attempting to clean the star. We made some great progress and then the company that installs the stars for the WOF showed up and they took over. They're going to strip and reseal the star which should take care of it. It will look great for Wednesday's Lennon birthday celebration."
Later that evening, the star was restored to its original, spotless condition. "Capitol Records started the cleanup, as it is in front of their property, and then our star maker finished up and sealed it, and it is ready to go," said spokeswoman Ana Martinez.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the stars for the other Beatles members, as well as the group star, were not touched.