The Daily Show host Desi Lydic has come to the defence of Byron Noem, husband of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following a report alleging he engaged in a 'bimbofication' fetish. The Daily Mail published photos on Tuesday showing Mr Noem, 56, wearing pink hotpants and a skin-toned spandex top stuffed with balloons to resemble large breasts.
Speaking on the programme, Lydic made a joke about rumours of an affair between Kristi Noem and her former chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski, before striking a supportive tone towards Byron Noem. 'You live your truth, Byron! Oh, she can dress up, and you can't? F*** that,' she said, showing images of Noem in cowboy hats, combat helmets and ICE uniforms. 'If she had an affair, you have a free pass.'
The report included messages and photos allegedly from Byron Noem to female models, along with tens of thousands of dollars sent online. A spokesperson for Kristi Noem said the family was 'blindsided' by the revelations. Counterintelligence experts warned the behaviour could make him vulnerable to blackmail given his wife's security role.
President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the family, telling the Daily Mail: 'I feel badly for the family if that's the case. That's too bad.' Neighbours in Castlewood, South Dakota, expressed shock and support. Cattle rancher Kevin Ruesink said: 'Must be AI... I've never known him to be part of stuff like that.' Former Democratic state senator Nancy Turbak, a customer of Byron's insurance business, called him a 'kind and decent man' who never sought public life.
