‘We wear it to honor her’: Madison Brooks’ mom slams defense push to ban pink in court

Madison Brooks, who was a student at Louisiana State University, was reportedly gang-raped and then killed in Louisiana. Her mother has reacted strongly to the defense’s request to prohibit spectators from wearing pink during the trial of Desmond Carter, one of the suspects accused of attacking Brooks. A judge in Baton Rouge will determine if this clothing, meant to show support for the victim, could influence the jury.

The legal representative for Desmond Carter, 21-year-old Caitlin Fowlkes, found herself in contempt of court on Monday. This came after she referenced Brooks by her full name in documents related to a July motion aimed at barring the wearing of pink in court. According to Louisiana law, victims of sex crimes should be identified only by their initials, requiring lawyers to redact full names.

At just 19 years old, Brooks was purportedly gang-raped by several men following a night out in 2023, and later, she was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Judge Gail Horne Ray had previously permitted supporters of Brooks to wear pink in the courtroom. However, after Fowlkes failed to comply with the law regarding name redaction, the judge found her in contempt but did not impose any penalties.

The judge noted that, while Brooks’ situation has garnered considerable public interest — even being mentioned by the governor of Louisiana — the legal guidelines must still be adhered to strictly.

According to an autopsy report, at the time of her death, Brooks had a blood alcohol content of .319 and sustained injuries that were consistent with sexual assault.

Carter was only 17 when he was arrested in connection to the incident. Reports suggest that Brooks left a bar in Tigerland with Carter and three other men. Authorities allege that Brooks was assaulted after being driven to a separate location following the night out.

The group later stated that Brooks had asked to be taken home. However, she provided incorrect addresses before ultimately requesting to be dropped off near a subdivision, where she wandered into the street and was hit by a car. The driver who struck her remained at the scene and was not charged.

Brooks’ mother, Ashley Baustert, previously expressed concerns about her daughter’s safety that night, reflecting on what she termed as “selfish choices” that led to a tragic outcome.

Fox News Digital reached out to Fowlkes for her comments on the matter.