Philadelphia resident Stephen Cilurso, a self-declared Trump supporter, has been charged with harassment after leaving 18 voicemail messages for Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), attacking her for her role as a House impeachment manager during former president Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. But he’s blaming the TV for his abhorrent behavior.
According to, Philly Voice, Cilurso, 68, made vulgar and sexual remarks directed at Dean and her family in the messages and referenced the far-right group Proud Boys, and accused Dean of lying during the Senate trial. Dean was among the members of Congress who were trapped in the Capitol during the riot on January 6.
“Oh yes, Ms. Dean we’re just calling to see if we can get a, a very large monetary contribution from you,” Cilurso allegedly said in one of the messages. “This is the Proud Boys. Our numbers are growing every, every day. And it’s unbelievable, unbelievable after your speech yesterday and your f***in lies. How many new recruits we have. So we’re given (sic) you the opportunity Ms. Dean to support us so we can continue our proud heritage.”
Despite being told to stop calling Dean, Cilurso continued harassing Dean, telling her to stop sending the D.A.’s office after him.
After his arrest, Cilurso told police that his drinking problem and tendency to get angry while watching TV caused him to send the messages.
“I’ve been an a-hole,” Cilurso allegedly told detectives. “I get angry and I get on the phone, my mouth is my worst enemy.”
