Doug McLeod (Mississippi politician)

On May 18, 2019, McLeod was arrested for allegedly punching his wife in the face because it was claimed, she did not undress quickly enough before they were able to have sex.^[5] According to a report from sheriff's deputies, McLeod bloodied her nose and they found blood on their bed and bedroom floor. When they arrived he appeared intoxicated, was stumbling and was holding an alcoholic drink. They wrote, "McLeod had slurred speech and walked slow in a zigzag pattern," and he appeared so inebriated he had to grab a handrail to maintain his balance. After arriving they saw a pair of frightened women. McLeod's wife eventually came outside after deputies assured her they would keep her away from her husband. A deputy indicated McLeod's wife was shaking and upset, reporting that she said her husband was drunk and "just snapped," as she said he often does when under the influence of alcohol. Another woman who was present reported that McLeod's wife came running to her room, with her face bloodied. The woman shut the door with McLeod's wife inside and she said he commenced banging on the door, telling the women to open it. The other woman reported that McLeod said if she didn't open the door, he'd "kill her dog."^[4]

McLeod and his wife issued a joint statement thanking friends and family for their "prayers and support." In the end, McLeod never resigned or readdressed the situation, even after Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn, a Republican, called on McLeod to resign if the alleged incident is factual. ^[6]

He was found not guilty of domestic assault in court after his wife unexpectedly testified on his behalf that the hit was accidental.^[7]

• Official page at the Mississippi Legislature
• Profile at Vote Smart