One of the LA Banksy's before the damage and after (before via flickr.com/loungedown, after via )

One of the LA Banksy’s before the damage and after (before via flickr.com/loungedown, after via TMZ)

Street artist Banksy has obviously gone to a whole new level when he is the subject of TMZ EXCLUSIVE!!!!! reports.

Here’s the latest!!!!

David William Noll has been charged with FELONY vandalism. According to the criminal complaint — obtained by TMZ — Noll defaced 2 of Banksy’s most famous works — Girl on Swing and Peeing Dog.

The L.A. County D.A. filed FOUR separate vandalism charges, because Noll allegedly defaced both works and 5 days later went back and used paint remover on the walls. Max penalty — 5 years in prison.

Why didn’t Banksy get arrested for his initial vandalism?

The D.A. says the only way they will prosecute for vandalism is if the property owner complains — and Banksy got lucky … no one complained about his art … but they definitely weren’t into Noll’s handiwork.

This isn’t the only Banksy taunting going on in YouTube land. Another artist — perhaps the same man? — vandalized two protected works by Banksy in Park City, Utah, destroying one completely.

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A Banksy in Park City, Utah, destroyed in January 2014. (screenshot of Fox 13 video)

But don’t worry, as last week a painting conservator was hired by the Park City building owner to save it. No, really:

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Screenshot of a painting conservator restoring the damaged Park City Banksy via The Park Record’s YouTube channel.

So, maybe now CNN will finally get off the trail of the Malaysian ghost aircraft and report on something “real”?

Hrag Vartanian is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Hyperallergic.

4 replies on “Banksy Vandalism Drama Alert!”

  1. “Vandal Taunts Police, Artist”. Best headline ever. On second thought, second best ever. “Police Find Headless Body In Topless Bar” is still the best ever.

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