Pierce Brosnan, the renowned Hollywood actor aged 70 from Malibu, California, has been fined $500 and ordered to pay a $1,000 community service fee to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, along with a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment. The sentence was handed down by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick on Mar. 14 in Mammoth, Wyoming.
Brosnan pleaded guilty to foot travel in a thermal area, as outlined in court documents dated around Nov. 1, 2023. The charges stemmed from Brosnan’s Instagram posts depicting himself standing on a thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs within Yellowstone National Park, despite warning signs urging visitors to stay on designated paths.
The United States Attorney’s Office recommended a sentence of 2 years’ probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.
The National Park Service (NPS) stresses the fragility of the ground in thermal areas and the dangers of venturing off designated paths. Trespassing on thermal features not only poses risks to visitors but also threatens the preservation of the park’s delicate natural resources.
Furthermore, NPS emphasizes that the park was established primarily to safeguard these hydrothermal areas and urges visitors to exercise caution by adhering to boardwalks and trails.
NPS encourages adherence to the Yellowstone Pledge, promoting responsible behavior and setting a positive example for others. Visitors are reminded to report any concerning behavior to park rangers for prompt intervention.
For further inquiries regarding Yellowstone National Park, individuals can contact the Public Affairs Office at 307-344-2015 or yell_public_affairs@nps.gov.
The investigation into Brosnan’s offense was conducted by the National Park Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes overseeing prosecution.
