Man who changed his name to Sexy Vegan accused of sexually assaulting his dog
A man who legally changed his name to Sexy Vegan is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a dog after police found a video shared to social media of him performing bestiality on his animal.
The 37-year-old, who was born Hansel Marion DeBartolo, was arrested from his home in New Hall, Santa Clarita, in the US state of California, on Thursday (local time), KHTS reported.
He allegedly filmed himself assaulting one of his two dogs, a pit bull, then uploaded the footage to social media on September 5, police said.
“Detectives found a video on social media of the suspect performing an act of bestiality,” spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Shirley Miller, said.
Both animals were removed from his home by Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, police said.
Mr Vegan has been charged with one misdemeanour count of sexual assault on an animal and one misdemeanour count of posting obscene matter.
He told police he was working on his 2020 presidential candidate campaign as a job, however police found he had yet to make any applications with the Federal Election Committee.
Mr Vegan pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could see him face a year behind bars if convicted.
He shot to prominence following an appearance on US talk show Dr Phil in a 2017 episode titled “My Brother Changed His Name to ‘Sexy Vegan,’ Wears Speedos in Public and is Spending My Mom’s $11 Million Inheritance”.
Security had to escort him off the stage after he began yelling obscenities at his mum and Dr Phil.
He later retuned for a second appearance where he apologised for his behaviour.
Mr Vegan is next due to face court on October 10.
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