Note to self. If you’re ever doing a photo shoot in Montana, please ask for permission before you trespass on someone’s property to take your pictures.
Trespassing is not welcomed on anyones property. Especially in the country. No mater what.
It only took roughly three days after Shaboozey’s pictures were posted on his socials, when a woman named Lexie Kottwitz posted an open letter to him on his Facebook. The letter basically pointed out how the property that was used in the photos belonged to her.
It then went on to mention how the singer had failed to ask for any kind of permission before using her property for the pictures.
“Shaboozey,
I am writing you in regards to a recent and unexpected visit that you made to our family’s private property in Montana. While we understand the appeal and beauty of the land out here —the wild skies, the untouched nature, the deep quiet —we were taken aback to learn that you crossed into our private acreage without permission, on social media, no less.
Here in Montana, the land is not just land. It’s a way of life. Generations of families have cared for it, protected it, and drawn strength and identity from it. With that comes a deep respect for personal property and the understanding that stewardship and boundaries go hand in hand.
Trespassing, whether by a stranger or a celebrity, goes against those values. Our family has worked hard to preserve this space, not just for ourselves but for our community and our heritage. That respect is something we extend to others, and it’s something we respect in return.
I trust this incident was not malicious, but it’s important you know that this land is not open to the public for exploration, no matter how scenic or symbolic it may seem from the outside.
Montana’s beauty is rooted not only in its wilderness, but also in the integrity of its people —people who value honesty, respect, and the understanding that this land deserves our care and reverence.
We welcome you to our big, beautiful state that prides itself on having acres upon acres of public land to enjoy. We also welcome you to build relationships with the folks that reside here; we are pretty friendly people. A phone call or door knock would have been the right thing to do.
Please respect our values moving forward.”
Lisa apparently wasn’t the only property owner who was had their property trespassed on for the photo shoot. Another owner of the land that had been trespassed on also shared a statement on Kottwitz’s post. Which read, “ask first, we probably would have welcomed you, especially since we like your music and appreciate artistic talent.”
The post has now since been deleted or made private according to Wide Open Country. As for comments inquired whether Shaboozey had given any response, Kottwitz responded, saying that neither he or his team had reached out. For now, the Instagram posts are still up, and the hate comments obviously keep coming through.