Rick Rubin has been fined – and almost landed in jail – after Hawaiian authorities cited the acclaimed music producer and recording industry executive for not adhering to Hawaii’s COVID-19 guidelines following his arrival to the island of Kauai last September.
According to reports shared this week, Rubin had been spotted walking on a beach in Kauai on the same day of his arrival onto the island on September 1st, violating the island’s COVID guidelines which require anyone arriving from outside Hawaii to self-quarantine for 14 days. Rubin owns property close to the location where he was cited walking on the beach.
Following his virtual hearing earlier this week, Rubin was given a lesser sentence in the form of a $1,000 fine after pleading no contest to disorderly conduct. The maximum penalty for violating the state’s COVID-19 guidelines is a year in jail or a $5,000 fine.
According to reports, Rubin’s lawyer made the case that he had been confused about the COVID-19 guidelines and it was never his intention to come into contact with anyone during his walk outside for exercise purposes.
[H/T Stereogum]