Of all the idiots I expected to see on the Tourons of Yellowstone page, I didn’t expect to see my boy Pierce Brosnan. Having spent more time than I’m willing to admit playing Goldeneye in my youth, Brosnan’s Bond was one I grew up with and respected. As a child of the 90s, I recall his iconic reign kicking off opposite Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire and later moving into his role as Bond for four films and one hell of a video game.
It was a great time to be a kid.
Fast forward some twenty-some-odd years (wait…what?!) and yet another icon of mine has been caught red-handed acting a fool. In this case, Pierce was cited for leaving established walking paths at Yellowstone National Park and snapping some pics. Now the actor is facing upwards of $1,500 in fines after pleading not guilty to the charges back in December of last year.
Gaining some sense (or looking at the photographic evidence), Brosnan has decided to reverse his plea, admitting to the wrong doing. While he maintains his claim that he did not see any visible signage warning him to stay out of the area, he did release a statement of apology on social media.
“As an environmentalist I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world,” he wrote in his iconic English accent.
“However, I made an impulsive mistake – one that I do not take lightly – when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph. I did not see a “No Trespassing” sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area. I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area. Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy. #StayOnThePath”
While I think we can all appreciate the sentiment (and his nice hat), this should serve as a campaign to keep others on the paths throughout Yellowstone. With millions flocking to the park each year, perhaps a celebrity endorsement of sorts would help hamper the idiocy that has plagued the park ever since Steve Jobs put phones in our hands.
Pierce will easily pay his fine, as he should, but hopefully the underlying lesson remains clear. No matter how nice your fancy hat is, stay the on the fu*cking path while in National Parks and show some respect.
