Days after Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared in Broadway's “queer” spinoff “Romeo and Juliet,” the court is considering a landmark case banning transgender surgeries for minors. Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether her involvement undermines her impartiality.
“I think it's a big mistake for federal judges, especially Supreme Court justices, to engage in activities that explicitly endorse ideological positions on issues that may come before the court. “It's the definition of a threat, a manifestation of fairness, injustice,” Thomas Zipping, senior general counsel at the Heritage Foundation, said in an interview on FOX News Digital.
“It's unusual for a judge to do something like this under any circumstances. But if this is 'Romeo and Juliet' or if this is a recognized and established classic or something, , could have been different. But this is clearly an advocacy piece.''Thus, it is important for Supreme Court justices to participate in advocacy on issues currently before the court, at least broadly speaking. , I think it's a big mistake in front of her,” he said.
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The musical, called & Juliet, features prominent LGBTQ+ themes and non-binary characters. The musical begins where Shakespeare's original story ends. Instead of committing suicide for love, Juliet chooses to challenge traditional gender roles and forge her own path. The website describes “& Juliet'' as a “cheerful new musical'' that “flipping the script on the greatest love story ever told.''
Juliet's best friend Mae is a non-binary character whose queer relationship is featured prominently and explored throughout the musical.
Jackson joins Broadway cast that includes TikTok stars Charlie D'Amelio He performed a one-off Saturday night at the Stephen Sondheim Theater in New York, becoming the first Supreme Court justice to perform on Broadway.
“& Juliet'' was written by David West Reid, best known for his work as a writer and producer on the television show “Schitt's Creek.'' The musical premiered in November 2019 at the Shaftesbury Theater in London's West End. He then made his Broadway debut at the Stephen Sondheim Theater in New York City in November 2022.
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Activists protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of the start of the U.S. v. Scumetti case on December 4, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Liberals have criticized several conservative Supreme Court justices in recent years, citing ethical concerns, and calls for stricter oversight have grown.
Judge Clarence Thomas is under intense scrutiny over his wife's political activities. Justice Samuel Alito has been criticized for not disclosing in court a luxury trip financed by wealthy donors that involved business, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett has been criticized for her ties to religious groups and LGBTQ+ issues. and the potential influence of religious groups on lawsuits involving abortion. Justice Brett Kavanaugh has also faced criticism over his confirmation process and past financial disclosures.
“For the past few years, liberals have been complaining about the conduct of the Supreme Court justices, arguing that it undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the Union. judiciary“Liberals in Congress want an enforceable code of conduct,” Zipping said. What do they say about this? ”
“Participating in advocacy or advocacy seeking positions on issues before the Supreme Court is a serious violation of the Code's principles of impartiality. I don't think there is any question about that. ” he said.
Jackson wore jeans, an all-blue outfit with a corset and a floral hat. In a clip of the performance posted by the production's social media accounts, her character excitedly screams, “Female empowerment, disgusting!”, while in another clip she sings the Backstreet Boys' “Show Me the Meaning” Of Being Lonely”.
In an Instagram post announcing the cameo, the “& Juliet'' marketing team said Jackson's performance was “a lifelong dream come true to be the first black female Supreme Court justice to appear in a movie.” broadway stage. ”
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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson played a walk-on role in Broadway's & Juliet. (Tasos Katapodis/Getty Images for The Atlantic | Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
“She should remain in the audience, and the judge should uphold the impartiality and appearance of impartiality of the judge more, not less. And this, in my view, is really reckless. ” Zipping added.
This is not the first time a Supreme Court justice has been in the performing arts spotlight. In 1994, Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared in non-speaking background roles in the Washington National Opera's production of Ariadne auf Naxos.
Despite their ideological differences, the two men were known for their close personal friendship and shared a love of opera.
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Earlier this month, SCOTUS heard oral arguments in United States v. Scumetti. The court's decision could have far-reaching implications and could shape future legal battles over transgender issues such as bathroom access and participation in school sports. The court will resume hearing arguments in January and is expected to issue a decision by July 2025.
The Supreme Court Press Office did not respond to Fox News Digital's request by reporting deadline.
Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.
