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“How Many Likes Did He Get?”: Dad’s Snowbank Baby Stunt Backfires And Leads To Criminal Charges
“How Many Likes Did He Get?”: Dad’s Snowbank Baby Stunt Backfires And Leads To Criminal Charges
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“How Many Likes Did He Get?”: Dad’s Snowbank Baby Stunt Backfires And Leads To Criminal Charges

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The cops are on the hunt for a Russian influencer who seemingly tossed his little two-month-old boy into a deep pile of snow, as an attempt to gain views and likes.

Sergei Kosenko, also called ‘Mr. Thank You’ online has over 46.6 million followers on Instagram and is a self-proclaimed “actor, singer, influencer, entrepreneur.” 

Highlights
  • Russian influencer Sergei Kosenko is facing arrest for throwing his baby into snow for likes.
  • Footage shows Kosenko tossing a 2 month old into the snow, but the influencer claims it was merely a dummy.
  • Kosenko's assets in Russia, that are worth more than $2M, are now frozen.

His name is now being scrutinized, however, following the release of “distressing” footage of him throwing a baby, dressed as a panda, high into the air before watching as he landed in the snowbank.

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    A Russian influencer is now the main target of authorities following a distressing viral video

    Man in a pink suit with sunglasses leaning on a director's chair that reads "Mr. Thank You," outdoors under a blue sky.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

    The initial video went viral shortly thereafter and made headlines all over the world, as reported by Daily Mail. The backlash Kosenko received was also overwhelming to the point where he was forced to delete the content.

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    And while the Instagrammer has since made claims that the child was merely a dummy and that the video was edited to make sure his son was never in danger, the Russian police see it in a different light.

    Family posing happily, dad in a mint shirt, mom holding baby in a purple outfit and white hat, showcasing influencer life.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

    “The accused threw the child away from himself and upward, allowing him to fall from a height,” read a statement by the Russian authorities. “The criminal intent was not completed due to the child’s fall being softened by the snow cover.” 

    A warrant has been issued for his arrest by the Basmanny District Court of the city of Moscow, and his 206M rubles ($2,016,760 USD) worth of assets, distributed across 43 bank accounts, have been frozen. He has additionally been ordered to be extradited to Russia to face charges.

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    Footage shows him throwing a two-month-old baby into deep snow, but Kosenko claims it was nothing but a dummy

    Influencer dad holding baby in panda suit amid snowy landscape, with snow-covered trees and cabin in the background.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

    Kosenko is also set to be detained for two months the moment he lands on Russian soil, as the father is currently living abroad, seen to be splitting his time between both Los Angeles and Dubai

    His lawyers have made a case against the arrest, echoing what the “influencer” said in his defense — that the video was merely edited and the entire ruse was centered around a dummy doll.

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    Despite their words, the cops have placed him on “a wanted list on charges of attempted intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm to a minor and failure to fulfill his duties to raise a minor,” as read in the outlet, on top of all his other charges.

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    Baby in a panda outfit sitting in a deep snowdrift with snowy trees in the background.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

    If Kosenko is ultimately declared guilty, he may face up to 10 years in prison in Russia.

    Although the details surrounding the controversial video have yet to be revealed, some commentators have created their own theories.

    “With tech being advanced as it is with easy and realistic editing many people will find themselves on the wrong side of the law for pranks,” wrote one user.

    Some users agreed with the YouTuber’s defense

    Influencer dad on a beach with their child on shoulders, dressed in colorful attire.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

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    Another shared, “I’m pretty sure my parents did the same thing to my sisters & I & somewhere there are old photos to prove it. The Russian government is just looking for an excuse to confiscate his assets.” 

    “A whole bunch of us Canadian parents should be going to jail then,” a third penned. 

    Others have blamed Kosenko’s skewed actions on the presence of the Internet. 

    “Humans have deteriorated since social media became a thing,” one scolded. “Parents especially, desperately wanting strangers to ‘like’ and ‘validate’ their existence.”

    Influencer dad with baby, both in sunglasses, sitting at a table with diapers and baby supplies.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

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    While first being known as a very successful content creator, Mr. Thank You has since broadened his horizons and had plans on making it big in the music industry in the second half of 2024.

    Last year, he released a single titled Love Love Love Love, which also happened to be a professional collaboration with his wife Alexandra Belyakova — also more famously known as Sasha Belair from The Voice Russia season 2.

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    “I think I was inspired by my son Leo’s birth,” he told Naluda Magazine in an exclusive interview. “Watching him grow every day fills me with endless love.” 

    He additionally invests a portion of his time on Habibi Real Estate, a business based in Dubai and primarily targeted towards a Russian audience, though “it’s in a more passive mode.”

    Man in blue pajamas holding items, standing in front of a blue sports car with "Mr. Thank You" on it.

    Image credits: sergey_kosenko

    Through these milestones and achievements Kosenko has seen throughout his time in the public eye, his main priority has always been to focus on his mental health and personal growth. Now that he has a platform, he’s expressed interest in helping others find that same peace.

    “I want to create courses on content creation, monetizing content, and turning your passions into profitable ventures, enabling people to live the life they dream of,” he stated. 

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    “It’s not just about inspiring through content but also providing practical tools to achieve your dreams.”

    Bored Panda does not support any endorsement of causing harm to a child or any other person for clout.

    The clip sparked a conversation among netizens

    Comment expressing concern for a baby related to a viral influencer incident.

    Comment claims a doll was used by influencer dad in snowdrift incident.

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    Comment discussing influencer dad's action with a critical tone.

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    Comment expressing concern for a child's safety in a snow incident with influencer dad.

    Comment stating, "It is not a doll, it’s a real week old baby!!" by Jennifer Cathcart in an online conversation.

    Comment on a parenting quote by Nasro Ouahib, with reactions, on throwing a baby into snow.

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    Comment saying 'Thank gosh it was a prank' related to influencer dad incident.

    Social media comment questioning likes received on influencer dad's snowdrift video.

    Comment by "Michaela Smith" stating, "That’s looks AI to me," with a blue thumbs-up icon.

    Comment on influencer culture and the pursuit of likes.

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    Comment on social media calling influencer dad a "douche bag" for stunt involving baby.

    Influencer dad criticized in a comment for risky snowdrift stunt with baby.

    Comment expressing disgust with angry emoji on influencer dad incident.

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, Community member

    Read more »

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, Community member

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

    What do you think ?
    kkrq2vk4tm
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if it was a doll there will be those idiots out there that will copy him with a real child

    Mike F
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the really scary thing. There's ALWAYS some idiot who wants to emulate and surpass nearly anything they see on the web. And that stack of $$ is movie money, also fake money for clicks. If he really had that kind of cash, he wouldn't dress like a colorblind mental patient.

    Load More Replies...
    the sixthgirl
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see the word 'influencer' and I immediately tune out.

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    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's a baby. he should be charged. If it's a doll, he sould be ignored. Either way. he's a moron.

    Broccoli
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Personally I think he should still be charged. For example, just like kkrq3vk4tm said, people might attempt to do the same to their own child after seeing all the attention he got, especially if he got away with it.

    Load More Replies...
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    kkrq2vk4tm
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if it was a doll there will be those idiots out there that will copy him with a real child

    Mike F
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the really scary thing. There's ALWAYS some idiot who wants to emulate and surpass nearly anything they see on the web. And that stack of $$ is movie money, also fake money for clicks. If he really had that kind of cash, he wouldn't dress like a colorblind mental patient.

    Load More Replies...
    the sixthgirl
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see the word 'influencer' and I immediately tune out.

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    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's a baby. he should be charged. If it's a doll, he sould be ignored. Either way. he's a moron.

    Broccoli
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Personally I think he should still be charged. For example, just like kkrq3vk4tm said, people might attempt to do the same to their own child after seeing all the attention he got, especially if he got away with it.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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