Скачать или смотреть Controversial Lyrics on TikTok: N.J. Judge Faces Misconduct Complaint for Videos in Chambers

#EthicsInquiry #LegalMisconduct #NJJudiciaryDisciplinaryRules #TikTokConsequences #ProfessionalismMatters #SocialMediaCodeofConducts #JudgeAccountability

A judge in New Jersey is being accused of misconduct after she was caught on camera lip-syncing to controversial songs while in chambers.

Gary Wilcox, a judge on the Superior Court, is under investigation for alleged ethical violations.

Judge Gary N. Wilcox of New Jersey is under fire for allegedly posting videos of himself lip-syncing to rap and pop songs with explicit or otherwise questionable content on the app TikTok. The New Jersey Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct filed a complaint against Judge Wilcox on June 30, stating that between April 2021 and March 2023, Wilcox posted approximately 40 videos to Facebook, 11 of which were deemed "inappropriate" due to references to violence, sex, and misogyny.

The complaint states that Judge Wilcox, under the name "Sal Tortorella" on TikTok, shared the videos publicly. Some of the videos were allegedly shot in the judge's chambers. The committee claimed that the videos contained slurs, sexual references, and racial slurs in their music.

The complaint refers to a video in which Judge Wilcox, while wearing a T-shirt bearing the lyrics to Rihanna's "Jump," can be heard singing along to the song. Get on it, kid. Come on and hop on my saddle, I've been waiting for you. Let's do it if that's what you want. Lip-syncing to Miguel's "Sure Thing," in which he sings, "If you be the cash, I'll be the rubber band," the judge can be seen in another clip holding money and striking a match. You light the fuse, I'll light the match, and then boom!

The complaint also made reference to a video showing Judge Wilcox walking around the courthouse in a Beavis and Butthead T-shirt while Nas's "Get Down" played in the background. The song's explicit lyrics referred to drugs and gangs as well as a criminal case and a shooting in court.

The complaint filed by the committee alleged that Judge Wilcox's actions showed a lack of judgment and disrespect for the judiciary, thereby undermining public confidence in the legal system. Wilcox has been a judge on the New Jersey Superior Court for criminal cases in Bergen County since 2011.

Wilcox's attorney, Robert B. Hille, responded to the allegations by saying that his client had no malicious intent and that the videos contained only excerpts of public domain music by well-known artists. Hille defended Wilcox, saying the videos, which have since been removed from the internet, had nothing to do with any particular case or litigant.

Wilcox has 20 calendar days to formally respond in writing to the complaint. In order to further investigate, the committee will hold a hearing. Disciplinary actions may be taken privately or publicly, with the latter options requiring proceedings before the New Jersey Supreme Court for reprimand, censure, suspension, or removal from the bench.

Transparency and accountability in the judicial system, as well as the high standards of integrity and professionalism expected of judges, remain central concerns as the case progresses.