A blogger has been arrested after allegedly sending an image of the DreamWorks character Shrek's genitals to a state senator nicknamed "Little Mussolini."
Arrest Details
D.J. Byrne, known as The Rooster, was taken into custody at the Ohio Statehouse in Ohio, US. The arrest warrant claims he sent two images to an individual identified as J.C. with the intent to harass. According to Max Littman, a colleague of Byrne, the arrest stemmed from texting Senator Jerry Cirino "photos of cartoon character Shrek's penis." Byrne also frequently referred to the 74-year-old Republican state senator as "Little Mussolini," as reported by US media.
Reactions and Support
Littman stated, "If that is in fact true, that he was arrested over that, then it’s blatant targeting a political opponent and journalist." Ohio attorney Scott Pullins supported this account and called Byrne's arrest "reprehensible" on X. Pullins wrote, "I want to say a few things about D.J. Byrnes, The Rooster. I do not agree with 90% of his politics. I do not like how he treated his ex who is a valued colleague and a dear friend. But what happened to him yesterday is reprehensible. He allegedly sent two texts and a cartoon of Shrek’s penis which is readily found on the internet. He was charged with a first degree misdemeanour telecommunications harassment and a warrant was put out for his arrest."
Senator's Denial and Byrne's Statement
Signal Ohio reports that Senator Cirino claimed he "did not request any such thing" regarding Byrne's arrest. Byrne was released after spending a night in the county jail and posted bond. He issued a statement asserting that the facts will prove his innocence. Byrne said, "The work of shining a light on the wretched and decaying underbelly of Ohio politics is too important to be sidetracked by this attempted interference." If convicted, he faces up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Shrek, the ogre from the 2001 film, remains a cultural icon. The fifth installment, Shrek 5, is scheduled for release on June 30, 2027, with original voice actor Mike Myers expected to return.
