Iconic 'Bronze Fonz' Milwaukee statue vandalized
UPDATED: 6:32 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7:
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The sculpture was repaired by Vanguard Sculptures Wednesday evening. This photo was captured early Thursday, Sept. 7:
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An iconic statue was vandalized in downtown Milwaukee.
The Bronze Fonz, a statue many have come to know and love, fell victim to vandalism for the first time.
"It is a little disheartening, just to see something that is iconic to Milwaukee, kind of a staple defaced like that," said Chris Maschmeier, a resident of Milwaukee.
The face of the Fonz was coated in what appeared to be black paint, police were seen on scene by CBS 58 News crews, looking for video evidence of those who may be responsible for the damage to the Fonz.
"Public vandalism I'm generally not okay with, especially being a piece of Milwaukee history like that is, yeah not a big fan, not a big fan," said Andy Gossen, another resident of Milwaukee.
The statue was recently restored by sculptor Beth Sahagian of Vanguard Sculptures.
"It's just a disappointment that people can't take that out in like public discourse instead of, through actual vandalism," said Sahagian.
The statue is a tribute to Henry Winkler's iconic role as Arthur Fonzarelli in the 1970's sitcom, "Happy Days."
The show took place in Milwaukee.
The Bronze Fonz has brought people from across the world to get a selfie, like Mark Wedgwood from England.
"I'm very happy I got the photo taken I wasn’t going to leave without that, it’s a little different to the photo I was expecting that’s all," said Wedgewood.
Artist, now happy the Fonz is back to its happy days.