High School Musical‘s Vanessa Hudgens was fined $1,000 in restitution after she carved a heart into the Red Rock of Sedona. The actress was on a trip in Arizona.
Not only did she carve a heart, but she carved the names “Austin” (Butler) and “Vanessa.” These carvings were then photographed and posted on Hudgens’ Instagram account around Valentine’s Day this year.
The citation was issued for a misdemeanor count of “damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land,” and the money will go to fund Friends of the Forest. The volunteer group will then work to restore the rock face. This is usually done by scrubbing or sanding the rock, depending on the severity of the damage.
According to Associated Press, the federal magistrate in Flagstaff, AZ approved the agreement on April 19, 2016. However, it was not made public. AP “obtained a statement of probable cause and the agreement resolving the citation from the federal judiciary under a records request.”
Hudgens and her publicist have yet to respond to questions about the incident. However, Hudgens did admit to using another rock to scratch her and Austin’s names into the heart. She also provided the authorities with information on how to find the art’s location.
Hudgens may not have been caught if not for her celebrity status (and maybe Austin Butler’s celebrity status as well). Apparently, some of Hudgens’ Instagram followers alerted some media organizations after Hudgens posted the photo.
After realizing her mistake, Hudgens removed the post.
“She was caught in the act because she publicized it and she’s famous.” Coconino National Forest Service spokesman Brad Smith said. “I’m sure there are others who are not famous and publicized it and we’ve never known.”
Those who damage the natural features are generally given up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
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