A political blogger from Ohio is set to face trial on Thursday to determine whether an explicit image of Shrek that he sent to a Republican lawmaker constitutes free speech or harassment.
DJ Byrnes, a 39-year-old reporter based in Columbus who writes a Substack called The Rooster, faces charges of telecommunications harassment for allegedly sending the crude cartoon to state Senator Jerry Cirino, according to reports.
Byrnes, known for his confrontational style in covering Ohio politics, was arrested in the Ohio State Capitol on June 1 following a warrant for harassment from an unnamed complainant.
In a motion to dismiss the case that Byrnes filed on July 29, he identified Cirino as the recipient of the image, a politician he has heavily criticized in his coverage of the Senate presidency race.
Court documents indicate that Byrnes admitted to sending a text message to Cirino—who he referred to as “Young Mussolini”—after Cirino withdrew from the race.
Byrnes reportedly texted, “Good to see you finally made your humiliation public, Young Mussolini. THE PATRIOTS CAUCUS sends its regards!!!!!!!!!!!” along with the obscene image.
Byrnes’ records show that the accompanying image depicted the character Shrek in a compromising position.
He explained in his motion that sending the vulgar image was part of a well-known internet meme.
Cirino’s response to the image was dismissive, saying, “I don’t know who this is but I am certain you are a moron,” as noted in the records.
Additionally, Byrnes included in his motion an email reportedly sent by Cirino to a local police chief where Cirino complained about “the disgusting picture.”
Byrnes has pleaded not guilty to the harassment charge, and his lawyers have argued for the case to be dismissed, claiming it falls under First Amendment protections, although this request was denied. Meanwhile, lawyers representing both Byrnes and Cirino did not provide immediate comments.
