Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson shocked audiences at Broadway’s & Juliet last weekend when she “fulfilled a lifelong dream” to make her debut — but it has led to some less-than-stellar reviews.
Jackson appeared in three scenes on Saturday night, singing harmony during the Backstreet Boys song “Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely.”
By thrust into the spotlight, Judge Jackson, the first Black woman to sit on the court, also inadvertently invited criticism and skepticism about her commitment to maintaining the court’s respected image.
Jackson had previously talked about her dream of becoming “the first black, female Supreme Court justice to appear on a Broadway stage,” but it has now led some on social media to question whether she is in the wrong role when it comes to her. day job.
“She should have just become an actress,” said one user on X.
‘Tells you everything about this woman. Broadway is a bigger problem than the Supreme Court,” another added.
“If you need proof that Ketanji Brown Jackson doesn’t belong on the Supreme Court, here it is. Absolutely shameful that she did this. Shame on her and those who confirmed her,” said conservative radio host Eric Metaxas.
Retired sheriff’s deputy Penny Farrington agreed that Jackson performed better on stage than in court: “She is much better suited for this role … rather than an honorable Supreme Court justice.”
Justice Jackson’s performance has generated few great reviews
A number of users posting on social media suggested that Judge Jackson would stick to the courtroom and not on stage
“She doesn’t know what a woman is… how can she know what a queer woman is? Maybe she’ll change professions after this… we can only hope,” Farrington wrote, bringing up a controversial discussion in March 2022 when Jackson struggled to define a gender type.
It was during her Senate nomination process, then a back-and-forth with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, that Judge Jackson seemed unable to provide a definitive answer to the question of how she defines a “woman.”
“Can you define the word ‘woman’?” she was asked by Blackburn.
‘Can I give you a definition?’ Jackson replied. ‘No, I can’t. I’m not a biologist.’
Cruz later took the stand to go after her on similar gender issues.
“I know I’m a woman, I know Senator Blackburn is a woman,” she responded. “And the woman I admire most in the world is in the room today – my mother,” and still doesn’t define the word “woman.”
Those commenting on social media after Saturday’s appearance appeared concerned about the court’s long-term reputation.
“Seems very undignified for a Supreme Court judge,” one commenter wrote.
“To be honest, she seems to be a much better actress than a judge,” another joked.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson shocked audiences on Broadway’s &Juliet
Many of the commenters said they believed Judge Jackson might be better as a full-time actress than as a member of the Supreme Court
The next day, Jackson still didn’t give a straight answer, replying, “I know I’m a woman, I know Senator Blackburn is a woman.” And the woman I admire most in the world is in the room today – my mother.”
At the request of CBS News Thinking about what people would say if they appeared on the show, Jackson responded that other judges have done “somewhat similar things.”
She added, “I also think it’s important to remind people that judges are human beings, that we have dreams, and that we are public servants, and that we are not so distant from the people we serve.”
Jackson opened up about her love of musical theater in September while promoting her memoir, Lovely One.
The liberal judge previously revealed that she was a scene partner of Oscar winner Matt Damon during their time at Harvard.
In an interview with Gayle King, Jackson expertly sang a few lines from The Wiz and threw in a favorite chant from Schoolhouse Rock.
Indeed, other social media users agreed that her performance itself wasn’t that bad.
“And if you listen to oral arguments, it’s clear she rehearsed for the wrong show,” one joked.
“It’s probably best that she take this on full-time and leave the bank,” a Trump supporter on X suggested.
Others seemed frustrated by the perceived lack of decorum Jackson showed the court by appearing on stage.
“So we now have judges who moonlight as actors? Why can’t our government have serious leadership?’ one tweeted. “Would she have been in a play if she wasn’t a judge? It’s like she used her position to get a role. Not a good look.’
Others continued to criticize Jackson’s participation in such a stunt.
Others continued to criticize Jackson’s participation in such a stunt.
The conservative-majority court is currently on Christmas break until January 10
Jackson’s stunt comes against the backdrop of low public confidence in the Supreme Court. She is pictured next to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
“What a shame on the SCOTUS! The dignity of the court was ruined by a DEI,” one wrote.
‘How undignified. DEI deal,” wrote a second.
“Can Congress just impeach her and find someone better qualified?” another pleaded.
“Oh my god, that’s cringe… I can’t believe she doesn’t have family and friends telling her how stupid she looks,” one user said bluntly.
Jackson’s stunt comes against the backdrop of low public confidence in the Supreme Court, and an ongoing debate over whether the recently adopted ethics code should have an enforcement mechanism.
The conservative-majority court is currently on Christmas break until January 10.