“By damaging the Colosseum, to the detriment of other visitors, I acted with frivolity, inflexibility and incivility,” he wrote in Italian, as translated by The Washington Post. “I have no excuses.”
Dimitrov wrote that he took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the “incalculable artistic and historical significance” of the site.
“I am too ashamed to admit that it was only after this tragic incident that I began to appreciate how ancient this monument is,” he wrote.
Dimitrov’s lawyer, Alexandro Maria Trelli, said in a news release that he had already come up with a plea deal that would get his client out of prison. Although the plea was still under negotiation, he said the prosecutor agreed that no prison sentence was imposed.
Prosecutors and representatives of Italy’s national police, the Carabinieri, could not be reached Thursday afternoon. Associated Press reported Last week authorities used photographs to identify the man as a visitor who lived in Britain.
Dimitrov’s face appeared in a video that went viral in late June, in which he used a key to write “Evan + Haley 23” on a wall. American viewer Ryan Lutz captured the video. told NBC News He was “appalled” and reported the incident to security.
“I’ll settle for learning a lesson for this guy,” Lutz told the news agency. “You don’t respect host countries.”
Italian officials expressed their outrage online, along with Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano Tweeting Tourism Minister Daniela Santense said the act was “a sign of extreme incivility”. to say On Twitter, he hopes the tourist will face sanctions.
Italy’s ANSA news agency reported Penalties for damage include up to five years in prison and fines of more than $16,000.
