A viral video showing Russian influencer Sergei Kosenko, also known as “Mr. Thank You,” allegedly throwing his infant son into a snowdrift has sparked public outrage and legal repercussions. Kosenko, a prominent social media personality with over 46.6 million Instagram followers, has become the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Moscow authorities. The distressing footage, which first appeared online in January 2024, led to widespread backlash before Kosenko deleted the post, claiming the incident involved a dummy and special effects.
Despite Kosenko’s claims, Russian authorities are pursuing charges of attempted grievous bodily harm to a minor. The video shows Kosenko holding what appears to be his two-month-old son above a snowbank before tossing the child into the snow. Officials argue that even if the snow cushioned the impact, the act demonstrates a blatant disregard for the child’s safety. Authorities have also frozen Kosenko’s Russian assets, valued at approximately RUB 206 million, distributed across multiple bank accounts.
Kosenko, who resides abroad, reportedly divides his time between Los Angeles and Dubai, complicating efforts to bring him to justice. The Basmanny District Court in Moscow has requested his extradition and mandated that he be detained for two months upon his return to Russia. The influencer’s lawyer maintains that the video is misleading, alleging that no real child was involved in the stunt and offering to provide original footage to support the claim. However, this defense has not deterred authorities from pursuing charges.
The controversy has reignited conversations about the ethical boundaries of content creation in the age of social media. Critics argue that influencers like Kosenko prioritize shock value and engagement over responsible behavior, putting vulnerable individuals, including children, at risk. This incident is not Kosenko’s first brush with controversy. In 2021, he faced backlash for driving through Moscow with a woman taped to the roof of his car as part of another viral stunt.
If convicted, Kosenko could face up to 10 years in prison. As legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless actions in pursuit of internet fame. It also highlights the growing scrutiny of influencers who use provocative content to amass followers, often at the expense of ethics and safety.