Senator Brent Taylor’s sexting scandal sparks discussions about “cyberflashing” legislation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - State Senator Brent Taylor’s sexting scandal has sparked discussion about a law against unsolicited nude pictures.

The Shelby County Republican, who is running for state senate and U.S. House, admitted to what he called “youthful indiscretions.”

The alternative weekly paper Nashville Scene said Taylor sent a woman nude pics as recently as 2021.

David Weatherspoon, a Democrat challenging Brent Taylor for state senate, and state House candidate Jesse Huseth said if elected, they want to file legislation to make “cyberflashing” a crime in Tennessee.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he doesn’t oppose the idea.

“It’s a gap in the law that we have right now that probably ought to be filled,” said Mulroy.

Mulroy said some states like California have a cyberflashing law. It means sending someone unsolicited nude photos is enough for criminal liability.

“Right now, in Tennessee, if you flash someone in person it is a crime, but if you send the unsolicited nude photos via text, that by itself isn’t for criminal liability,” said Mulroy.

Under current Tennessee law, if someone who gets a nude photo is annoyed, offended, or alarmed, they can prosecute under the harassment law.

Weatherspoon said that should change.

“We need to make sure that women are protected from such harassment, and I can’t imagine what it’s like to receive those kinds of texts, and we should not allow people to get away with that,” said Weatherspoon.

Admitting to what he called “indiscretions,” Taylor said his wife and his God had forgiven him for it.

“I’m all about people seeking forgiveness, but I also believe that there’s accountability, and I think Senator Taylor needs to be held accountable for his actions, and that’s true of all people that are perpetrators in such a way,” said Weatherspoon.

Taylor is also running against State Representative Justin J. Pearson for the newly redrawn 9th congressional district.

In a statement, Pearson said, “Women deserve to be respected, not sexually harassed, especially by men in power like Brent Taylor. No one should be forced to receive unsolicited nude photos. It is inexcusable behavior that is criminal. People who prey on others in this manner should be held accountable for their actions. Tennessee should join other states in outlawing this behavior. I applaud David Weatherspoon and Jesse Huseth for taking steps to help Tennesseans who are being victimized in this way. We must address cybercrime and the ways in which predators are inflicting harm.”

Weatherspoon said that, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 41% of Americans have been subjected to harassing behavior like cyberflashing, and 66% have witnessed it happening to someone else.

“Tennessee has an opportunity to be on the leading edge of policies that protect primarily women and young girls from this type of sexual harassment,” said Huseth.

“Jesse and I are both fathers of young girls. We owe it to them and every girl and woman in Tennessee to take swift and decisive steps to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Weatherspoon.

Action News 5 reached out to Taylor and has not heard back yet.

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