The Mojave Desert Land Trust announced Tuesday that the musician who spray painted a Joshua tree and cholla cactus while filming a music video in Joshua Tree will work with the non-profit to educate others about the desert. Beth Orton said in a statement: “I have learned that it doesn’t always take malice to be destructive. It is vital to stay awake to the environment and give it the care it deserves. I am profoundly sorry for my lapse in judgment that afternoon. I have been humbled and I want to share what I am learning in the hope that it might stop others acting from a place of ignorance as I did. I am grateful to be working with the Mojave Desert Land Trust to find a way for my mistake to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting this rare desert environment. The desert is a work of art in and of itself, and is most beautiful when we respect and protect it, when it is left as it is found.” The Mojave Desert Land Trust said it is developing a way to turn her actions into a positive outcome. After desert lovers expressed their outrage over the painted vegetation, Orton pulled the video offline and apologized.
