Paul O’Grady’s mural defaced with graffiti just days after his death

A fantastic mural of Paul O’Grady appeared in south Manchester a few days ago, following the tragic death of the comedy legend last week. 

Sadly, the mural was defaced with graffiti just a couple of days after it was created, as the black-and-white piece soon became covered in seemingly-random green lines. 

Paul sadly died last week at the age of 67, with his husband Andre Portasio breaking the news that it had happened “unexpectedly but peacefully”.

The artistic tribute to Paul, which was created by artist Manchester Murals, shows the TV icon smiling next to a dog with the words, “For Paul”. 

Manchester artist Chris Moore described how his work was a way of honouring the “well-grounded entertainment machine that spanned generations.”

READ MORE: Carol Vorderman suffers wardrobe malfunction after jumpsuit shrunk

Unfortunately, his hard work was defaced yesterday, leaving him feeling “disappointed”. 

“I was instantly driven to create a fitting mural in his honour, and I felt it was only natural to include a dog in that,” he explained.

He then spent the next few days working on the mural but was dismayed to find out it was sprayed with graffiti over the weekend. 

“It would have been nice for it to last longer,” he told the Manchester Evening News. 

“I only finished it on Thursday so it’s not even been three days since it was created.

“I can kind of understand people’s disappointment in that the mural has only lasted as long as it has, especially given how recent his passing was, but, ultimately and unfortunately, this is part of the nature of the street art and mural scene,” he concluded.

Fans were left heartbroken last Tuesday after Paul’s husband Andre released a statement about the news of his death. 

“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” the statement read.

“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”