Texas Judge Claims Poor Treatment at Rodeo Event
A judge in Texas reported that she was mishandled while trying to access the VIP section at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Staff denied her entry and escorted her out, leading her to question if the incident stemmed from racism or sexism, despite the context involving a $9,000 giveaway.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo attended Megan Moloney’s concert at the rodeo with five guests, including another elected official, that official’s children, and the parents of a deceased U.S. Air Force sergeant. However, her group was barred from entering the premium area due to not purchasing the $425 wristbands and because the venue had sold out.
Hidalgo mentioned that she had previously enjoyed access to the floor area without a wristband, which she attributed to a relationship between the county and the rodeo. She remarked that the area seemed meant for the friends of rodeo leaders.
After inquiring about possible entry, she claimed she was grabbed and pushed, leading to an arrest. “I understand that rodeo committee members have a job,” Hidalgo stated in a letter to the rodeo chair and president.
While acknowledging the safety responsibilities of the rodeo officials, she clarified that her aim was not to interfere but rather to help community members enjoy an important event.
Rodeo officials indicated that Hidalgo was asked numerous times to return to her designated seating area before being escorted out of the venue. They clarified that no one was harmed, and her removal occurred after she declined to move back to her seat.
Hidalgo had requested $9,000 in tickets for herself and her guests for three nights of concerts featuring artists like J. Balvin and Luke Bryan. The rodeo leaders expressed disappointment in her actions, emphasizing their need to enforce uniform access rules for all attendees. They specified that claims of mistreatment based on her gender or ethnicity were unfounded.
The judge then communicated her stance on not accepting impropriety in her role and suggested that if she were a male executive, the treatment might have been different. She voiced concerns over how some individuals might exert physical force against others, particularly minorities.
“I will never travel without a passport again,” she reflected, suggesting that those who don’t conform to certain racial standards face unique challenges.
The Houston Police Officers Union shared a satirical illustration on social media depicting a police officer escorting a woman, identifying her as a county judge. Hidalgo also shared a personal video of her exit from the venue and discussions with staff.
“This isn’t about tickets or concerts,” she concluded. “It points to a broader issue in how people treat each other.”
Hidalgo, serving as a Harris County judge and the principal officer of the governing Commissioners Court, manages a budget exceeding $4 billion.
