Disgraced Marlboro, NJ, school board candidate Scott Semaya has been forced to resign after it was revealed that he sent sexually harassing texts about conservative board member Danielle Bellomo in a group chat named “ThisB–chNeedsToDie,” including crude remarks about her physical appearance.
For context, Bellomo, who is a Trump-supporting mom targeted for her parental rights advocacy, described the threats as terrifying amid rising political violence. Similarly, Running mate Melissa Goldberg also quit her bid for office,
This disturbing scandal, which allegedly involves participants such as Board VP Chad Hyett, has prompted police investigations, calls for resignations, and condemnation from Mayor Jonathan Hornik. Bellomo, facing prior harassment, highlighted the personal toll on her family.
In any case, the disgraceful message from Scott Semaya, read “Bellomo must be cold — her nips could cut glass right now,” was sent to a group chat called “ThisBitchNeedsToDie.” Almost immediately after the shocking texts were made known, a media firestorm erupted.
Reacting to these messages, Danielle Bellomo expressed her shock. “It was absolutely terrifying… When I found out about the messages, I was absolutely shocked, especially with the climate of our country. It sent chills down my spine,” she said.
Unwilling to be cowed by this harassment, Bellomo fired back at her cowardly critics, saying, “I’m a proud and unapologetic advocate for parental rights, for my children, for our town and our state, and for that they have this hate for me.”
Despite his brave reaction, he admitted that the revelation was horrible. “My whole family has been affected by it… This is heartbreaking for me. This is what he was thinking when I was volunteering with his children — it’s a hard pill to swallow,” she noted. Offering more context, she contextualized her reaction by explaining, “These text messages are the first time I was able to see they don’t want me alive.”
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Issuing a full-throated condemnation, Superintendent Michael Ballone made it clear that this behavior was completely unacceptable. “The district takes the safety and security of all members of our school community very seriously. We have an invaluable relationship with our local police department who attends our Board of Education meetings. This upcoming meeting will be no different,” he noted.
Similarly, Mayor Jonathan Hornik slammed this vile and inappropriate conduct. The official declared, “Completely unacceptable… those responsible are clearly not equipped to hold public office. Violence and threats of violence against public officials are seemingly becoming normalized… This must stop.”
Offering another view, Former board member Aldo Patruno said, “This guy presents himself as a father and family man to the public only to then conduct himself like a pervert and criminal on a group chat during a BOE Meeting.” Agreeing, a commenter noted that these messages were “Disgusting on every level, and added, “These grown men need to be arrested for threats on one’s life.”
Concluding the reactions, Melissa Goldberg issued a brief statement explaining her decision to drop out of the race. “Currently cannot commit to this role in addition to my other responsibilities,” she said to explain the sudden decision.