Fashion-Forward Felon: “Bob’s Burgers” Star Sentenced for Capitol Riot Role
The nation’s capital has long been a hub for power-brokers and political players, but on January 6th, 2021, it played host to a decidedly different sort of fashionista – Jay Johnston, the beloved voice actor behind the bumbling restaurateur Jimmy Pesto Sr. on the animated smash hit “Bob’s Burgers.” Now, two years after the fateful riot, this Hollywood heavy-hitter has found himself facing the sartorial consequences of his sartorial missteps.
On Monday, Johnston was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. The 12-month sentence, which falls just shy of the 18 months prosecutors had sought, is a sobering reminder that even the most celebrated creatives are not immune to the harsh realities of the justice system.
According to court documents, the “Anchorman” alum spent a full 10 minutes in the lower west tunnel of the Capitol, where some of the day’s most heinous violence unfolded. During that time, he lent a helping hand to rioters affected by OC spray, used a stolen police riot shield to create a “shield wall” against law enforcement, and even participated in the now-infamous “heave-ho” push that crushed Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges against a doorframe.
It was a far cry from the carefree comedy that had made Johnston a household name, and federal prosecutors were quick to point out the actor’s apparent lack of remorse. In their sentencing memo, they noted that Johnston had “made light of his participation in the riot by dressing up as Jacob Chansley, known as the ‘QAnon Shaman,’ at a Halloween party” – a sartorial stunt that only served to underscore the gravity of his crimes.
But Johnston’s lawyer, Stanley Woodward, was quick to push back, arguing that the government had “persistently overstated” his client’s role in the attack “because he is an acclaimed Hollywood actor, and the government is using his status to make a point to the public.” Woodward also noted that Johnston’s involvement in the Capitol riot had already taken a significant toll on his career, with the actor no longer being featured as a voice in “Bob’s Burgers.”
It’s a cautionary tale for any fashionista who might be tempted to let their sartorial sensibilities override their civic responsibilities. As the old adage goes, “crime doesn’t pay” – and for Jay Johnston, the price of his political posturing has come at a steep cost, both to his freedom and his once-flourishing career.
So, the next time you’re tempted to make a fashion statement at the expense of the law, take a cue from Johnston and remember: sometimes, the most stylish choice is the one that keeps you out of the slammer.
