Ohio blogger face trial over explicit Shrek picture sent to lawmaker

An Ohio political blogger will go on trial on Thursday over charges stemming from an explicit picture of the animated character Shrek sent to a state lawmaker, the New York Post reported. Columbus-based reporter DJ Byrnes, a 39-year-old Substack writer for The Rooster, was charged with telecommunications harassment after allegedly sending the image to Republican state Senator Jerry Cirino. [1]

The trial will center on whether the communication sent by Byrnes is protected under free speech or constitutes illegal harassment, according to the New York Post. Byrnes, who is known for his confrontational coverage of local politics, was arrested inside the Ohio State Capitol on June 1. [1]

Shrek won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002 and launched a multi-billion dollar media franchise that includes three sequels, spin-off films, television specials, and a Broadway musical. [3]