South Carolina mother Danielle Wolf was arrested for saying the F-word at a grocery store. She recalls the incident to WJBF.
"They go, 'You're under arrest.' Right in front of my kids, in front of my husband, in front of customers."
The customer who reported her claimed Wolf was swearing at her children, but Wolf says it was directed toward her husband. She was taken into custody and released not long after.
Now ... let's back up a second — is cursing really against the law?
According to the South Carolina Legislative Services Agency, yes. It's considered disorderly conduct in that state.
"Any person who shall use obscene or profane language ... at any public place or gathering ... shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days."
It's an interesting law, but South Carolina is not alone. The First Amendment Center points out other states who have similar rules. We thought Rhode Island's 2009 law was an especially interesting one. It reads:
"Every person who shall be guilty of profane swearing and cursing shall be fined not exceeding five dollars ($5.00)."
Sounds a lot like a swear jar ... we're sure that did the trick. But the law isn't the only unusual thing about this particular case. The customer who reported Wolf actually called and apologized to her, saying she didn't think Wolf would be arrested.
VIA WAGT: "I apologize for getting into your business."
WOLF: "I wanted to sincerely apologize to you and to let you know how sorry I am."
The customer says she was abused as a child, and hearing Wolf curse in front of her kids triggered those memories. Wolf's court date is Sept. 12.
