Vanessa Hudgens and Boyfriend Austin Butler Under Investigation for Alleged Vandalism at National Park

Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens and her boyfriend Austin Butler in Arizona. Twitter / Vanessa Hudgens

After spending Valentine's Day together, Vanessa Hudgens and boyfriend Austin Butler are now under investigation for allegedly defacing a rock at the Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. According to authorities, the two reportedly carved a heart and their names on one of the park's rocks at the Red Rock Ranger District.

Officials from the U.S. Forest Service kicked off the investigation after Hudgens posted a photo of the carving on her Instagram account. The image, however, was immediately taken down by the actress, Independent reported.

Authorities said that they are still trying to coordinate with witnesses to verify the allegations against Hudgens and Butler. It is not yet clear if they have found the carving which matches the one shown in Hudgens' photo.

According to Brady Smith of the U.S. Forest Service, vandalism on a national park is considered as a federal offense. If found guilty, Hudgens and Butler could face jail time of up to six months and settle a maximum fine of $5,000.

Smith also noted that defacement has become a recurring problem for forest officials despite their efforts of educating the public about preserving the natural beauty of national parks.

"I can say that the issue of people carving their names and other things in rocks in the Sedona and surrounding area is always a challenge we face, and [we] try to inform people about its destructive nature," he said according to CNN.

"We have found that when one person carves something, it encourages others to carve," Smith added. "Carving of any kind affects the natural beauty of the area."

Smith, however, admitted that he is not sure if there are signs around the park warning visitors about vandalism. But, he maintained that whether the carvings were done by mistake or not, the act is still considered as an illegal activity.

Social media users, especially those living in Arizona, to their various online accounts to criticize Hudgens and Butler. Many of them found the act disrespectful and largely destructive.

The actress, however, has not yet released a statement regarding the issue. However, as noted by People, it seems the investigation is not bothering her as she was seen on Tuesday having a night out with her friends in Los Angeles.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.