Tourist Who Defaced Colosseum , Claims He Didn’t Know It Was Ancient.
Last month, 27-year-old Ivan Danailov Dimitrov was caught on video carving "Ivan+Hayley" into the wall of the Colosseum, NBC News reports.
His actions drew outrage from Italian officials and others on social media.
In a recent letter shared by his attorney, Dimitrov claims he didn't know that the Colosseum was nearly 2,000 years old.
The letter was reportedly
addressed to Mayor Roberto Gualtieri,
the City Council and magistrates.
I admit with deepest embarrassment
that it was only after what regrettably happened that I learned of the
antiquity of the monument, Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, via apology letter.
He then extended his "heartfelt apologies
to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage done to an asset that is, in fact,
the heritage of all humanity.".
Dimitrov and his partner
reportedly live in England. .
I am also aware that similar conduct in my country would have resulted in much more serious consequences, Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, via apology letter.
For this reason I accept all responsibility and will make sincere and concrete efforts to redeem myself and make up for the mistake I have made, Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, via apology letter.
Those convicted of vandalizing the
Colosseum face up to five years in prison
and a $15,000 fine, AP reports.
NBC News reports that Rome's mayor says he has not yet received any letter from Dimitrov