A New Jersey judge has been suspended for three months for posting a series of TikTok videos in which he lip-syncs vulgar, curse-filled lyrics, sometimes half-naked or in a robe, according to a report. That's what it means.
Belen County Superior Court Judge Gary Wilcox posted 40 videos over two years starting in April 2021 using the pseudonym “Sal Tortorella,” but his lawyers say some of the lyrics It claims the video was “innocent fun”, even though it contained references to sex and violence.
The Harvard-educated legal scholar's choice of scenery also raised eyebrows. That is, according to a 2023 complaint from the state Supreme Court's Judicial Advisory Committee, deciding to film them in courtroom chambers in full robes or half-naked in bed. act.
Wilcox's lawyers sought to downplay Wilcox's actions, saying the judge opened a TikTok account during the coronavirus pandemic because he had heard it was a “popular way” to connect with people. Ta. According to the Star Ledger.
“This was a simple act that appeared to be innocent fun,” the lawyers wrote in their response to the charges. “He never intended any harm, much less to himself or the judiciary.
“This activity seemed like silly, harmless, innocent fun, so… [Wilcox] I opened an account out of curiosity to explore this new phenomenon. ”
However, the veteran legal scholar said in court documents that some of the videos contained inappropriate language and behavior that some could see as “bringing the judiciary into disrepute.” I also admitted that there are.
In one of the videos, Wilcox forges the lyrics to Rihanna's song “Jump,” including the line: Ride me, my pony. My saddle is waiting, come and jump on it. If that’s what you want, let’s do it,” according to the first complaint.
In another photo, the 59-year-old judge posed in front of a law book in a suit and tie, lip-syncing and saying: That means business! Do you think you can run up to me and whip my monkey ass? Come. Come! “
It's unclear how many followers his account had after it was deleted, but it contained “explicit information about criminal cases and courtroom shootings, derogatory and discriminatory language, drug and gang references, and murder.” At least one song was included that contained the same lyrics. A doctor at the hospital treated another gang member. ”
One video shows the judge smiling at the camera and overlaying the words, “When your ex calls you 'Santa' because of your new white beard,” according to the complaint.
The song “Touch” by Busta Rhymes played in the background, with the following lyrics: I was peeking at it while she tried to touch it. She turned around and was about to take my dick in her mouth. I let her. ”
Needless to say, the Judiciary Committee didn't think Wilcox's video was all that innocent, even though the judge claimed he didn't intend for the video to be seen by a wider audience.
Mr Wilcox's lawyer asked the committee to simply reprimand him because the embarrassment and public humiliation he has suffered is bad enough.
Instead, the commission suspended him from Tuesday, the Ledger said. He will be off the bench until January 8, 2025.
Wilcox agreed to the punishment, which the commission said was in response to Wilcox violating three rules of judicial conduct. One requires judges to “adhere to and conduct themselves to high standards,” another requires them to avoid misconduct, and a third requires judges to act outside the law. It must be done. The newspaper said they approached the court in a manner that did not call into question their ability to be impartial.
Wilcox, a former federal prosecutor, was first appointed to the high court by Republican Gov. Chris Christie in 2011 and reappointed by Democrat Phil Murphy in 2018.
Both nominations required approval by the state Senate, which Wilcox received.
