SEQUIM — Friends of the Duke President Russ Moorman said he will temporarily back off efforts to erect a 9-foot bronze statue of the late John Wayne at the marina bearing the actor’s name.
Moorman said Wednesday he backed off the plan after learning the organization will have to complete a complex process to obtain permission to use Wayne’s image.
The proposal resurfaced Monday when a flyer seeking donations for the proposed statue was distributed at a Port of Port Angeles meeting by Friends of the Duke.
Port officials denied involvement in the group’s effort but acknowledged the group requested use of the marina’s meeting room for a statue fund-raiser.
Port commissioners didn’t act upon the request — they directed staff to research the issue and present more information at their May 13 meeting.
Port officials contacted Wayne family spokesman Louie Torres, who spoke about the proposal Wednesday.
“No license is in place and there is no authority for this activity,” Torres said. “This group has no permission for the use of the Wayne family name in this manner.”
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