'American Sniper' billboard in Brentwood vandalized

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An "American Sniper" billboard in Brentwood was targeted by vandals who spray-painted the word "Murder!" on it.

The Clint Eastwood-directed film, starring Bradley Cooper, tells the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history. The film continues to stir up controversy as some ask if it's glorifying a hero or a killer.

The billboard, located near Wilshire Boulevard and Bundy Drive, was covered up Monday night, but when crews returned the next morning, the poster was gone. Below the billboard, they found brand new graffiti on a rooftop.

People magazine tweeted a photo of the billboard before it was covered up.

The movie has raked in $105 million in just four days and has earned the largest opening weekend ever for a drama. Despite the success, it has been the focus of some controversial comments online.

Filmmaker Michael Moore is responding to critics after he tweeted, "My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren't heroes. And invaders r worse."

Moore then went on Facebook and wrote, "Only a coward will shoot someone who can't shoot back."

In that same Facebook post, he clarified that he didn't say a word about "American Sniper" in his tweets.

He later praised the film, saying, "Awesome performance from Bradley Cooper. One of the best of the year. Great editing. Costumes, hair, makeup superb!"

Regardless, Newt Gingrinch, former speaker of the House, tweeted, "Michael Moore should spend a few weeks with ISIS and Boko Haram. Then he might appreciate@AmericanSniper. I am proud of our defenders."

While the controversy rages on, Kyle's widow says she's proud of her late husband and the job done by Cooper portraying him.

"The heart of the man...the ability to laugh through it all, Bradley captured all of that," said Taya Kyle.

"American Sniper" has earned six Oscar nominations, including best actor for Cooper and best picture.