Sexy Vegan, a reality TV personality known for his appearance on “Dr. Phil,” was arrested in 2019 for sexually assaulting his dog, which he shared on social media. He faced charges for animal cruelty.
Hansel Marion DeBartolo III, who legally changed his name to Sexy Vegan, gained notoriety for his eccentric behavior and his appearance on the “Dr. Phil” show in 2017, where he was escorted off the set for his disruptive conduct. Vegan’s extreme antics and his tattooed face with his chosen name made him a memorable figure on social media.
In September 2019, Vegan was arrested in West Hollywood after a video surfaced on his social media that depicted inappropriate behavior with his pet pit bull. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged him with one misdemeanor count of sexual assault on an animal and one count of posting obscene matter. His bail was set at $35,000.
Following his arrest, Vegan was held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. The case brought attention to issues of animal abuse and the use of social media to disseminate illegal content. If convicted, Vegan faced a potential maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a possible lifetime ban from owning any pets.
The incident led to a broader discussion about mental health and the exploitation of animals for shock value on the internet. It also highlighted the role of social media platforms in monitoring and responding to content that depicts illegal activities. Vegan’s case serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with the visibility and influence afforded by social media fame.