Hate crime probe after LA influencer’s Buddha statue smashed in home burglary

Burglars broke into a Los Angeles influencer’s home and smashed a Buddha statue after ransacking the place, sparking a hate crime investigation by police.

The break-in occurred on Valentine’s Day at the San Fernando Valley home of YouTube creator Kristi Cook, who goes by Spill Sesh, NBC 4 reported.

The thieves broke through the wooden backdoor of Cook’s house before nabbing a handful of items, including the Buddha statue, which was found smashed in the driveway.

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Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department aren’t sure if the destruction was intentional and have launched a hate crimes probe into potential vandalism of the religious figure.

Cook was not home at the time of the burglary, and the value of the items taken from her home is unclear.

No arrests have been made.

In 2024, Los Angeles experienced the largest hate crime total in 44 years, according to a report released last December said.

Anti-Asian hate crime fell 34% in 2024 from 2023, though the group is still the third most targeted by individuals motivated by race, ethnicity, and national origin. Buddhists comprised just 1% of religious hate crimes in 2024, with three cases in 2024.

Cook is an Asian American woman and she spoke about her racial identity in an interview with Mundane Mag.

“It means a lot to me,” she said.

“To be in a position where I can be that representation for someone else is really meaningful. Being a visible AAPI voice in this space isn’t just about identity, it’s about bringing a different perspective, one that’s thoughtful, informed, and hopefully opens the door for more voices to be heard,” she added.