In a disconcerting display of parental intervention gone awry, recently released video footage has revealed a father compelling his young daughter to physically assault another student on a school bus. However, the father defends his actions, claiming there’s a background story to consider.
As reported by KSDK, this incident unfolded on October 9th in Ferguson, Missouri. The footage obtained by the news outlet shows Maurice Fox boarding the bus and instructing his six-year-old daughter to confront a seven-year-old girl.
âDo what I told you to do,â Fox directs with a tone that brooks no argument.
He then turns to the other child, stating, âDonât put your hands on my daughter anymore.â
âIf I find out youâre touching her again, your parents will have to talk to me,â he further warns, establishing a rather peculiar form of parental justice.
Turning back to his daughter, Fox insists, âRemember what I told you.â With that, the daughter begins to deliver multiple punches to the other child.
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After a brief pause, Fox commands, âAgain.â The onslaught continues per his instructions.
âAgain, I want her crying,â he orders, as if orchestrating an unfortunate performance.
Following several more blows, he instructs, âLetâs go,â and the two exit the bus together.
Fox defends his actions, asserting he felt backed into a corner due to ongoing bullying his daughter allegedly faced from the other child. âIt wasnât an easy decision,â he stated in an online message obtained by KSDK. âBut it was the only thing that finally stopped the other child from continuing to hurt her.â
He continues, âI felt I had no other choice as a parent. My only intention was to protect my child and empower her in a world that hasnât protected her.â
Moreover, Fox contends that the schoolâs inaction in addressing the bullying contributed to his drastic decision.
However, St. Louis County Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith made it clear there is no justification for such actions. âWhat kind of world do we live in if we teach our children to resolve conflict through violence?â she stated emphatically. âWe wonât tolerate that.â
Smith added, âWhat stood out to me was how little these children are. This never should have happened.â
KSDK reports that Fox now faces serious legal repercussions, including felony harassment and multiple misdemeanor charges, encompassing assault and trespassing, for compelling his daughter to attack another child.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest, spotlighting the broader theme of the consequences of misguided parental guidance.