Metta World Peace: Ron Artest changes name to better the world
Metta World Peace is now officially Ron Artest's new name. Mr. World Peace's name change was initially delayed due to outstanding traffic tickets.
Metta World Peace: Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest arriving at the 59th Annual BMI Pop Music Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. May 17. A Los Angeles court commissioner has approved Artest's petition to change his name to Metta World Peace.
Matt Sayles/AP/File
Ron Artest's bid to become Mr. World Peace was delayed, but not denied.
A court commissioner granted the Lakers forward's request to officially change his name to Metta World Peace on Friday, three weeks after the bid was blocked because Artest had unpaid traffic tickets.
Artest, 31, did not attend a brief hearing Friday.
Superior court spokeswoman Patricia Kelly said that Artest's new last name will be World Peace.
His publicist, Courtney Barnes, said the player chose 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," 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."
He requested the change in June, citing only personal reasons. He is scheduled to appear on the next season of "Dancing With the Stars."
Barnes wrote in an email that World Peace will now have to get a new driver's license to reflect his new name, but the switch won't affect his contracts with the Lakers or any endorsement deals.
