‘Jackass’ star Steve-O cited for anti-SeaWorld stunt; PETA has his back

“Jackass” star Steve-O has been charged with a traffic infraction for an anti-SeaWorld stunt in which he defaced a freeway sign in San Diego.

The Los Angeles-based entertainer, whose full name is Stephen Gilchrist Glover, posted a YouTube video in August showing him climbing up the freeway sign to attach the word “sucks’’ after the words “Sea World.”

Steve-O, 40, is known as a stunt performer, comedian and television personality. He has starred in the TV series “Jackass” and related movies.

The incident occurred May 25, but the culprit’s identity remained a mystery until the video was posted. The video showed Steve-O making attempts over the course of two days before succeeding.

The stunt was meant as a show of support for critics of SeaWorld who assert that the park mistreats its orcas.

Crews from the California Department of Transportation removed the offending word -- taped over the word “Drive” -- from the sign on the 5 Freeway.

The California Highway Patrol had recommended charges of vandalism and trespassing to the San Diego County district attorney’s office. The D.A.’s office sent the case to the San Diego city attorney.

On Monday, the city attorney’s office announced that it had filed a traffic citation, which is akin to a speeding ticket.

The citation can be settled by paying a $239 fine before Dec. 22. Steve-O also has the option of a trial before a traffic court commission. The stunt damaged the sign and posed a distraction for drivers that could have caused an accident, the city attorney’s office said.

Steve-O is on a surfing trip to Morocco, according to his Twitter account, and thus unavailable for immediate comment.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals -- which has long been critical of SeaWorld -- has agreed to pay any fine assessed against the entertainer.

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