Campaign launched to remove Bill Cosby's mural from historic Ben's Chili Bowl diner

The diner has been a fixture in the city since 1958

Ben's Chili Bowl has found itself at the centre of controversy (Getty)

For also 60 years, the people at Ben’s Chili Bowl have been turning out the good stuff. Hot dogs, chili dogs and tasty fries at a pocket-friendly price.

From its spot on Washington DC’s U Street, it has built up a loyal following among locals and tourists alike, and become part of the fabric of an area that was once predominantly African American. Visiting stars such as Denzil Washington drop by for a bowl of chili; Barrack Obama’s motorcade stops so he can jump out for a half-smoke with fries.

But the diner is now at the centre of drama because its long and close relationship with a black star who himself faces mounting controversy; Bill Cosby.

The 78-year-old comedian - currently facing a series of sexual assault allegations that he denies - has long been a regular at the diner and his face is celebrated on a mural painted on an outside wall of the diner. There is even an item on the menu - the Bill Cosby Original Chili Half Smoke - named after him.

Last month, anonymous artist Smear Leader covered Cosby’s face with a large sticker of Kim Jong-un. That sticker has since been removed.

Now, a petition has been launched calling on the owners of the diner to replace Cosby’s image with someone the organsers believe to be more appropriate.

“It’s not about the art or the artist. I just think it is very offensive to women,” Devin Boyle, the petition organiser, told The Independent.

“I think you can draw a parallel with the move against the Confederate flag. People may not have not known it was offensive, but there has been a rethinking.”

Ms Boyle said there were a number of people who could replace the spot occupied by Mr Cosby. Some online campaigners have been suggesting the names of women.

Ben’s Chili Bowl did not immediately respond to comment.