Hollywood Whodunit: Thieves Hit Sunset Boulevard—15 Ft Muscle Man Balloon Promoting HIV Testing, “Gone with the Wind”

15 foot high inflatable muscle man balloon sporting a sash to promote free HIV testing and other AIDS services was stolen under cover of darkness.

By: AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Hollywood - May 28, 2009

In a literal, if not classic second story job, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation’s largest AIDS organization, today reported an unusual Hollywood Whodunit: a 15 foot high inflatable muscle man balloon sporting a sash to promote free HIV testing and other AIDS services was stolen under cover of darkness—or moonlight—from the roof of the AIDS group’s Sunset Boulevard AHF Pharmacy and flagship Out of the Closet thrift store directly across from the world famous Hollywood Palladium. A manager from AHF climbed to the roof of the site early this morning to make sure the balloon would also be ready for its close up as a parade float in the upcoming West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade in mid-June only to discover the balloon’s tether ropes slashed, and the muscle man gone with the wind. Thieves also made off with the generator—no ransom has been demanded as yet.