A New Jersey resident was reportedly filmed destroying an Easter lawn display Tuesday, claiming she found it disrespectful and offensive.
WPIX caught the moment Desire Shepstone dismantled five mannequins donning lingerie, bunny ears, and fishnet stockings on the front lawn of Dr. Wayne Gangi’s dental office in Clifton. Neighbors told the outlet that Gangi is known for his unconventional holiday displays but found this particular presentation uncouth.
“I have a son and he’s 16 years old, he is a good boy and he does not need to be seeing this every time I pick him up from school,” Shepstone said.
As I was teasing the story for our 5PM newscast, a woman who identified herself as a resident (and had told me earlier that she found the display disgusting and inappropriate) showed up.
You can see her in the upper left corner — with clippers. pic.twitter.com/Ub1pBY9DkP
— Andrew Ramos (@AndrewRamosTV) April 9, 2019
Initially, Shepstone was reportedly overheard mentioning destroying the display while walking her dog. Allegedly doing just that, she returned later the same day with garden shears.
While many thought the display was for Easter, Gangi explained that it was paying homage to late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who would’ve turned 93 on April 9.
“My staff helped me put the characters out on the lawn and unfortunately there was a total spin on me attacking the celebration of Easter—it just wasn’t true,” he said.
Gangi said he will be filing a restraining order against Shepstone, who he claimed he’s had issues with before. The dentist also revealed that he plans to rebuild the display in the immediate future.
Clifton police told the North Jersey Record that they’re investigating the alleged vandalism and that they’re looking for Shepstone.
A man who answered Shepstone’s door said he lived with her and her son and denied being married to Shepstone. In agreeance with Gangi, the man said he believes Shepstone destroyed the display for attention, not because she was offended.
“I told her don’t do it,” he said. “She has to take responsibility for it.”
[Featured image: WPIX video screengrab]
