Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle mural can stay

DOWNEY – A mural depicting late basketball player Kobe Bryant and rapper Nipsey Hussle will be allowed to stay, city officials said this week, after initial accusations that the city would force the art’s removal.

The mural is located on the exterior wall of Dirt Dog, a new restaurant at Firestone Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue.

One side of the mural depicts Kobe Bryant wearing a blue Lakers jersey. The LA County seal is to his back.

The other side of the mural features Nipsey Hussle, a hip-hop artist who was shot and killed in Los Angeles two years ago.

According to @kobemurals, a Twitter account that tracks Kobe Bryant murals around the world, mural artist Louie Palsino was told by the city to remove the artwork after it was completed a few weeks ago.

City officials denied that, however, and said they only reached out to the restaurant after receiving complaints from other businesses.

“While Downey embraces art in public places, the City asks businesses to partner and communicate with the City on any mural plans,” Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said. “Historically, Downey has partnered with the business community in the creation of artistic expression through murals. It is important for businesses to notify the City of their plans for public art displays.”

“There are no plans to have the mural removed,” the mayor added.