Los Angeles — The man accused of smashing President Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame called it a "rightful and just act."
Austin Clay pleaded not guilty to a felony vandalism charge on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors say Clay took a pickax to Trump's star on Hollywood Boulevard on 25 July. It recognises Trump for his work on the TV reality show The Apprentice. It has since been repaired.
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Clay spoke to reporters outside the courthouse on Wednesday. He says he wanted to "bring about positive political change" and doesn't believe prosecutors should have brought charges against him.
Clay says he thinks the "repercussions of it were only positive."
If convicted, he could face up to three years behind bars.