Ron Artest‘s name change to “Metta World Peace” has been approved!
Three weeks after his bid was blocked because of unpaid traffic tickets, a court commissioner granted the Los Angeles Lakers player’s request to officially change his name from “Ron Artest” to “Metta World Peace” (First Name: Metta, Last Name: World Peace.)
His publicist Courtney Barnes said the NBA player chose the name Metta because it is a traditional Buddhist word that means loving and kindness toward all.
“Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world,” Metta World Peace said in a statement released after the hearing. “After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I’m glad that it is now official.”
Ron Artest Metta World Peace (This is gonna take some getting used to!) first requested the change back in June, citing only personal reasons.
He is scheduled to appear on the next season of “Dancing With the Stars,” which premieres tonight on ABC!
Check out a few hilarious photos of Mr. World Peace outside DWTS rehearsals Thursday (Sep 15) afternoon below:
