Although we haven’t heard much about Jessi Slaughter or her now-famous dad since last summer’s incident invoking the wrath of 4chan and spawning a vast sea of memes, the family is back in internet news.
The 11-year-old girl’s dad ranted about her online treatment in a video, spouting off about “cyberpolice,” threatening that the interactions had been “backtraced,” and most famously warning online bullies that “consequences would never be the same.” Considering the stress the family had been through, it wasn’t too surprising the dad flew off the handle a bit. But he’s been arrested in Florida for allegedly smacking his daughter in the face, drawing blood.
The arrest occurred almost a month ago, and 53-year-old Gene Leonhardt said the blood was prop blood:
When questioned by police, Leonhardt said that he had “slapped” the child after she punched him in the mouth. He also claimed that Jessica, a seventh grade student, “was wearing ‘theatrical blood’ which he stated the victim had put on.” Leonhardt is pictured in the above mug shot taken following his February 17 bust.
According to TSG, Leonhardt has pled not guilty to child abuse, and is free on $5,000 bond.
