Ohio Blogger Faces Trial Over Alleged ‘Pornographic’ Shrek Text to Republican Senator

Ohio blogger D.J. Byrnes faces trial over sending a 'pornographic' Shrek image to Sen. Jerry Cirino, sparking free speech debate.

Editorial Desk

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Columbus, Ohio — An Ohio-based political commentator is set to face criminal charges after allegedly sending a state senator an explicit image of the animated character Shrek with his genitalia exposed.

D.J. Byrnes, a 39-year-old progressive writer who runs The Rooster Substack newsletter, has been charged with telecommunications harassment following three messages sent to Republican Senator Jerry Cirino in May. Byrnes has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge and is scheduled to appear in municipal court on Thursday.

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The messages reportedly included a digitally altered image of Shrek, described in an arrest affidavit as fully nude with an erect human-like penis engaged in masturbation. Cirino called the content offensive and harassing, while Byrnes claims the messages are protected under free speech. The case has drawn attention due to its unusual nature and the use of a cartoon character in a legal dispute.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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